Al-Attiyah promises to lead GSF campaign internationally
15 February 2010
DOHA - The World Champion, current and six-time FIA Middle East Rally Champion, Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah, promised to work closely with the Global Sport Fund, (GSF) in a bid to reinforce its objective.
In his visit to the GSF office Monday, Al-Attiyah met the GSF Project Coordinator, Mr. Carl Marsh, who was manifestly impressed with the outlook of the Qatari sporting icon.
A role model and an aspiration for many youth, Al-Attiyah will serve as an Ambassador for the week-long GSF youth camp which begins here from February 21 at the Al Rayyan sports club.
"I've been waiting since a long time, to be part of this significant project and to work closely with the core team," Al-Attiyah said.
In a discussion with the Project Coordinator, Al-Attiyah was briefed on the work carried out by the GSF in various countries and plans for the future, including preparations for the Doha youth camp set to start on 20 February 2010.
The 39-year-old Olympian, who participated four times in his other sport passion, shooting, expressed his desire to share some of his experiences with the youth participation in next week's camp.
"In my 20-year career in sports, I've had lots of ups and downs, but I stayed focused and conquered all challenges. It will be nice to share my experiences with the youth through this project," disclosed Al-Attiyah.
With an ideal kick off of the year, Al-Attiyah claimed 2010 Qtel Qatar International Rally and finished second in 2010 Dakar Rally in Argentina, to list a few of his long records of achievements.
Apart from sport, the Qatari ace has been actively involved with the charity work he and his team started since 2008.
"With God's willing and the support of H.H. the Emir, I have initiated a charity programme which will help meet the demands of the needy," Al-Attiyah added.
Speaking in depth about his charity programme, Al-Attiyah explained, "This year in Chile I have helped 100 families to build shelters and provided other resources of livelihood."
Despite a hectic schedule for 2010, Al-Attiyah has agreed to support the GSF project and be a part of its programme of activities.
"I have a hectic schedule for the year ahead, but I will keep myself available for this project and support the cause in the best way I could," Al-Attiyah said.
As an initial step, Al-Attiyah will have the GSF logo put up on his rally cars and other gears and also distribute the GSF give-away to his fan followers worldwide.
Showing his response to the growing concerns over obesity in Qatar's younger generation, the GSF Project Coordinator has set eyes on pioloting a program to encourage school children in Qatar to have fun being involved in organized sport in their spare time.
"I am seriously concerned with the growing obesity problem and if we can help amongst school children in Qatar and I have devised a program which will to overcome this issue, this is next on cards offor the GSF to help parents and children get more fun in their spare time doing sport," Marsh explained.
