Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meets UAE authorities to organise Zayed Charity marathon in Kerala this year. There will be attractive prizes for the winners and the benefits will go to support Kerala’s world class healthcare system…reports Asian Lite News
UAE is unveiling another initiative to support Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held talks with UAE authorities with regard to organising Zayed Charity marathon in Kerala this year. This initiative is being planned as per the direction of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE to spread the message of the founding father of UAE HH late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was known as one of the biggest philanthropists and humanitarian.
The meeting was held in Dubai with Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of Zayed Charity Marathon along with Sanjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador, Members of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Marathon Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi and Ahmed Mohammed Al Kaabi, prominent businessman Yusuff Ali MA.
Founded over 20 years ago, the Zayed Charity Marathon is an iconic, worldwide humanitarian running race held in honour of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE.
Lt. General Kaabi explained the details of this unique event which was started in 2005 in New York. The main objective of this marathon is to raise funds for advancement of healthcare sector especially for needy people. He also stressed the fact that the main reason for selecting Kerala is due to the high number of Keralites residing in UAE and the love and affection they show towards Emiratis. UAE is home to more than 3.5 million Indians out of which the majority are from the state of Kerala.
Pinarayi Vijayan wholeheartedly accepted the UAE’s gesture in choosing Kerala to be the first state to host this prestigious event in India. It’s an honour and prestige for Kerala to be selected for this global event. He also pledged full support for the successful conduct of the marathon, in connection with the UAE National day later this year.
Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir said that this initiative will further boost the strong friendly relations between UAE and India especially Kerala who have a large diaspora in UAE. Its an honour not for Kerala but for the entire country, he added
A high-level steering committee will be formed by the Kerala Government to coordinate and finalise the various technical and related aspects holding such a mega international event in Kerala. The various aspects of organizing this event will be coordinated by Indian Embassy. The entire expenses of organizing this event will be borne by the UAE authorities.
Lt. Gen. Al Kaabi especially thanked Yusuffali MA for his efforts in this regard and appreciated the role played by him in supporting UAE-Indo relationship.