The UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF) is hoping to unearth fresh talent when the McDonald’s Olympic Day Rugby takes place next month.
“We are expecting 5,000 children from schools across UAE to take part in this event,” said UAE’s athletic chief Ahmad Al Kamali.
The McDonald’s Olympic Day Run will be held on April 8 next to the Al Mamzar Park in three age categories and distances: 3.4km for 16 years and above, 3km for 14-15 year-olds and 2.5km for 11-13 year-olds.
The eighth edition of the annual road race was announced by Saad Al Muhairi, UAEAF secretary general, Rafiq Fakih from sponsors McDonald's and Obaid Al Saheb representing the UAE National Olympic Committee.
“This type of run is good for the kids. We are looking to build a base for athletics. One of the boys who is running in national junior team won the event two years ago. There is a chance to get good talent,” said Al Kamali.
The aim of McDonald’s Olympic Day Run is to promote physical activities amongst both children and adults in the UAE. This is the second year that McDonald’s has received the support of UAE Ministry of Education and the UAE Inter-school Association as well as the UAE National Olympic Committee, who share McDonald’s vision to promote exercise amongst children.
Following the success of the McDonald’s Olympic Day Run which attracted 4,000 participants last year, McDonald’s UAE has also renewed its sponsorship with the UAEAF for three years.
“This year’s McDonald’s Olympic Day Run is our biggest yet, and we look forward to welcoming both children and adults to participate and help make this a fun way to get fit in the UAE for years to come,” said Rafic Fakih, Managing Director and Partner of McDonald’s UAE.
Fakih thanked the UAE Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Education and UAE Inter-school Sports Association for supporting the road race.
“As partners, we share the same commitment to the well-being of the local community, specially our youngsters in the UAE. We are positive that together we can make this commitment to continue supporting this important cause for years to come,” he added.
“The McDonald’s Olympic Day Run comes in line with our commitment to a healthy local society and our support to balanced active lifestyles. The event, that is part of the activation of our official sponsorship of the Olympic Games, has shown progressive success over the past years and we’re keen to support this growth in order to maximise the benefits to the local community,” he said.
The top 20 finishers in the race will be awarded with the first 10 boys and first 10 girls winning prizes such as mobile phones, electronic gadgets, toys, etc.
Registration for the McDonald’s Olympic Day Run could be done by visiting any of McDonald’s 87 stores in the UAE from now until till April 4. A special ‘race kit’ will be provided to each participant, and can be collected on the day of the event between 11am and 1.30pm at the race location.
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