3SM signs MoU with charity foundation

Following the success of last year's 3SM organised competition, the second annual installment of the UAE High School Basketball Championship is drawing in more schools, sponsors and spectators - the perfect platform for raising awareness around home-hitting causes.

"The UAE High School Basketball Championship brings together student athletes from different communities in a competition that rewards sporting excellence and academic achievement. Through this tournament we plan to reach out to the youth and raise awareness for the foundation's charitable causes," said Abdalla Taryam, Managing Director of 3SM.

With the MoU officially signed, both organizations welcome the collaboration to increase support of outreach programs through the "Mobile Eye Camps". This health service includes organizing surgical and medical eye care in countries that are recognised for their need of intervention by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the prevention of blindness.

The collaboration will increase awareness, among High School students, towards prevention of diseases, and will encourage them to contribute in supporting charities and humanitarian work.

"We are more than excited to be working with the internationally recognised NGO, as we expand on our on-going CSR activities. The partnership with Noor Dubai, will allow us to join the cause for the prevention of blindness, simultaneously inspiring the students who take part to support and give back to the community," he said.

"Our support will include dedicating a percentage of our tournament's proceeds to Noor Dubai as well as donating a nominal amount for every time a player scores a 3-pointer, this way our participation will not be limited to funding a charity but will also actively involve the players in a fund raising activity that is fun and competitive at the same time, " added Taryam.

Since 2008, Noor Dubai has collaborated with a number of national and international companies, raising support for the noble initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. With over 14 eye camps conducted thus far, these efforts have been invaluable in combatting blindness and visual impairment around the world.

Through its programs, Noor Dubai is able to deliver treatment in the form of surgeries, medication and eyeglasses, as well as screening for sight threatening diseases such as Diabetes and Hypertension. The Camps are also an opportunity for hands-on training for local ophthalmologists.

The MoU reinforces the relationship between Noor Dubai, the only competent national NGO dedicated to blindness prevention, and corporate entities, which reflects the humanitarian role of the private sector, through supporting the prevention of blindness program.

The second annual UAE High School Basketball Championship will tip-off on the 9th of November and end in March 2013.