The 9th Zayed Charity Run, held in Cairo under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has witnessed the participation of more than 50,000 runners from different age groups, in support of cancer patients in Egypt and in line with charitable and humanitarian goals.
The race commenced in front of the Iconic Tower and ended at the Al-Fattah al-Aleem Mosque, covering 10 km. The total cash prizes amounted to EGP20 million, in addition to 200 double Umrah trips.
The race was attended and participated in by Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Dr Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports in Egypt. The starting signal was given by Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run; Mariam Khalifa Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC); Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent; and a number of Emirati astronauts. The proceeds of the race were donated to the Children's Cancer Hospital (57357) in Cairo, in line with its charitable and humanitarian goals.
Yassir Ech Chaachoui from Morocco, representing the Emirates Red Crescent, won first place in the Men’s 10km race, while Ismail El Kharchi, also from Morocco, came in second and Salem Mohammed Salem finished third. In the Women’s 10km race, Wafa Zaroul won first place, Yusra Nsour came in second, and Amina Bakhit finished third. In the 4km Paralympic Speed Chair race, Islam Abu Ali took first place, while Haitham Adel won the 4km Paralympic Pedal Chair race.
Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi praised the relationship between the UAE and Egypt, and the UAE’s charitable initiatives for all of humanity. He emphasised that the Zayed Charity Run is one of these valuable initiatives, as it carries a name dear to everyone's hearts, and overflows with goodness to every place it reaches. He also stated that he was keen to participate in the ninth edition of the Zayed Charity Run in Cairo out of appreciation for the values that the race inherits, and his belief in the importance of sports in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
He expressed his happiness with the great turnout from men, women, and children of various ages, which reflected the community-wide enthusiasm to participate in charitable work, therefore embodying a message adopted by the UAE and its wise leadership to support goodness, peace and love and to establish the principles of generosity, tolerance and coexistence.
Dr Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports in Egypt, said: "I am happy with the wide participation from all segments of the Egyptian public, and from our sports brothers in the beloved UAE, and a number of Arab and African countries. This great turnout with more than 50,000 able-bodied and disabled contestants, amateurs and professionals alike, confirms that the charitable message of the race has reached all segments of society."
Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, said: “The Zayed Charity Run is a true embodiment of the values of giving and humanity instilled in our souls by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul. This year was special by all standards, as we witnessed a wonderful celebration from all segments of society in the New Administrative Capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, with an unprecedented number of runners exceeding 50,000, who came together for a noble goal that touches everyone’s hearts.
“We saw different age groups and abilities unite on this occasion, with the aim of making a real difference in the lives of others, and the Zayed Charity Run continues to promote the values of unity and solidarity, and remains one of the most prominent events that support charitable work in the UAE, Egypt and the US.
“Raising funds for the Children's Cancer Hospital (57357) reflects the great legacy of this race, not only in its positive impact on the lives of those who benefit from the support, but also in the powerful message it sends about what we can achieve when we are united, and this year’s success answers the question of why the Zayed Charity Run remains a symbol of hope and giving. We are proud to be part of this distinguished humanitarian journey and initiative.”
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC, said: “The success of the ninth edition reflects the depth of the relationship between the UAE and Egypt, and everyone’s commitment to achieving the noble goals of the race, which go beyond sports to support communities.”
He emphasised that donating the proceeds of the race to support the Children's Cancer Hospital (57357) represents a practical model for the concept of sports for good causes, and confirms the importance of teamwork in making a positive change in the lives of children and their families. Al Awani concluded by praising the great organisational efforts that contributed to the success of this distinguished event, appreciating the fruitful cooperation between all parties to achieve the race’s humanitarian goals.
Dr Sherif Abouel Naga, CEO of the Children's Cancer Hospital (57357), praised the role of the UAE’s leadership in supporting charitable and humanitarian projects around the world, and the noble legacy of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in helping the needy. He recollected how the Rayed Charity Run contributed to the first construction phase of the hospital during its first edition held in Egypt in 2014 with revenues amounting to US$15.8 million, and compared this to its current contribution to the hospital’s expansion phase to provide services to a larger number of child cancer patients from Egypt and various Arab countries, noting in particular that the funds were used to purchase many advanced devices to diagnose and treat critical cases.
