ROTA launches Wheels 'n' Heels; announces Shell as Platinum Sponsor

In a press conference held at the Atrium Hall in Qatar Foundation, Qatar Shell announced its support to ROTA as the platinum sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year. The 2008 event will also see the attendance of H.E. Sheikha Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

As part of its commitment to the community, ROTA has held the Wheels 'n' Heels event for the last two years, with Shell's sponsorship helping to make the event successful from the very beginning.

Wheels 'n' Heels 2006 and 2007 saw incredible success, with the participation of over 10,000 supporters and volunteers, including cyclists, skaters, skateboarders, walkers and special needs children.

Like last year, Wheels 'n' Heels is being organized in association with the Qatar Cycling Federation and the grand finale of the prestigious Tour of Qatar will trigger the start of the Wheels 'n' Heels main event, which consists of a three kilometer stretch.

Announcing details about the event, Mr. Rashid Al-Naimi, Vice President Administration, Qatar Foundation and Member of the ROTA Board said, "It is a great privilege to announce the third Wheels 'n' Heels Community Fun Day. The event, at Sheraton Park, perfectly epitomizes the need for a healthy balanced lifestyle. We are proud to again have an exciting list of celebrities on attendance for the landmark event. Wheels 'n' Heels 2008 promises to be a crowd-puller, with high energy stunt cyclists and ongoing live entertainment performing amidst bouncy castles and face painters, besides hosting a whole lot of fun games, interactive sports and performances by renowned singers and dancers."

He added, "I would like to thank Qatar Shell and our other sponsors for their support in putting this event together. We are confident that Wheel 'n' Heels 2008 will have the biggest-ever participation by the people of Qatar."

On the occasion, ROTA inked the platinum sponsorship deal with Qatar Shell for the community event. Mr. Al-Naimi, signed on ROTA's behalf while Mr. Andy Brown, Shell's Country Chair in Qatar represented Shell. Ms. Omnia Nour, Director of ROTA, Mr. Majed Al-Naimi, General Secretary of the Qatar Cycling Federation and Ms. Nada Zeidan, a renowned Qatari athlete also attended the conference.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Brown said, "We are happy to partner with ROTA again for Wheels 'n' Heels 2008. Shell has invested a great deal of time and energy in developing meaningful partnerships and relationships with Qatari communities through a variety of social initiatives. Wheels 'n' Heels is a perfect opportunity for us to reach out to the heart of the population and contribute to ROTA's remarkable charitable efforts."

Aside from the participation circuit, Wheels 'n' Heels 2008 will also feature varieties of entertainment and surprises targeting all ages. A Lifestyle Village will be set up, aimed at offering a fairground-style area of attractions for the entire family; with side shows, demonstrations, corporate stands and bazaar-style stalls.

The annual fun-filled event aims to involve Doha's multinational communities, reminding them of the importance of a healthy lifestyle achieved through sports and proper nutrition.

The key message of this occasion: 'Healthy body = Healthy mind'.