Standard Chartered partners with Ministry of Education in run up to the Dubai Marathon

The move comes as both the Ministry of Education and the UAE Athletics Federation are increasing their drive to create a healthier UAE.

The Ministry of Education have sent out official letters to all schools in the UAE encouraging students to become more involved with the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon and activities the Bank has planned in the lead up to the Dubai Marathon on Friday 16 January.

"Already a globally recognised event, our primary focus is to establish the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon as the most sought after marathon in the world,"

said Shayne Nelson Regional CEO of Standard Chartered Bank for the Middle East and North Africa.

"It is our aim to create a truly family-oriented event, the first of its kind in the New Year. We have been working with the Ministry of Education and the UAE Athletics Federation to help promote sport in the UAE, help raise fitness consciousness and encourage the community to lead more healthy lifestyles."

As part of its pre marathon schools programme, Standard Chartered, in conjunction with Stabilo, launched its annual Arts Competition encouraging students from schools across the UAE to draw their 'Vision of Sport' as part of the build up to the event's 3km Charity Fun Run. All registration fees from the 3km run will be donated to 'Seeing is Believing', the official charity of the Dubai Marathon and Standard Chartered's global initiative to help tackle avoidable blindness.

Congratulating the twenty winners selected from over 2000 entries, renowned local artist, Dr Najat Makki, said that she was proud to be leading the prize giving on 16 January at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, "It gives me great pleasure to be part of this unique event helping young children of all abilities to express an interest in art," she said.

The twenty winners will be awarded art supplies totalling over Dhs10,000 at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon carnival area near the start/finish line. The winning pictures will be on exhibition for two weeks at the Westin Hotel 17-31 January, 2009.