AGMC extends UAE children's painting competition into special needs schools

It is the third year AGMC has supported the community project, which has now been extended to include special needs schools.

The UAE Children's Painting Competition 2008, under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Education, has been sponsored by AGMC as part of a grass-roots campaign to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. This year's theme is 'Save Water'.

The competition is open to all UAE students aged from 6-11. Children are asked to create a painting about the environment looking at water conservation in particular. On 30th October, 40 special needs children from the Humanitarian City of Sharjah and Khorfakkan took part in the competition.

"AGMC is committed to the responsible development of our society, and we have been supporting the Humanitarian City of Sharjah for the last three years. BMW's CleanEnergy programme centres on implementing various initiatives to conserve energy and take more responsibility for our environment.

"Children are a huge influence on society and we aim to nurture and promote environmental awareness through interactive and inclusive events such as the painting competition," said Mamdouh Khairalla, Regional Manager of AGMC Sharjah and Northern Emirates.

The five best drawings from the day were selected with Nashwad Asaad Taha, Hassan Abdallah Mohammad, Ahmed Ali, Abrar Ahmad Ali Al Abdulli and Samih Abeed Yousuf winning a range of prizes for their creations.

The 12 best drawings from the competition will be printed as a 2009 calendar by AGMC for the Humanitarian City of Sharjah, and winners will be awarded prizes for their creations.

Over 100,000 entry forms have been distributed in all participating public and private schools in the UAE. Short-listed entries will be displayed at a special exhibition at Al Ghurair City from November 22 - December 13, with 100 winners honoured at a Grand Award Ceremony scheduled for December 15, 2008 at Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah. The grand prize for the competition is a 4-day trip to New Zealand with two adults. It is sponsored by New Zealand and Beyond, Your Leisure Company.