BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Reach Out To Asia (Rota) will soon launch its educational and community initiatives in Tunisia, the smallest country in North Africa stricken by social and political unrest in recent years.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Wheels ‘n’ Heels Family Fun Day yesterday, Rota Executive Director Essa Al Mannai stressed that they would also continue efforts they have started to establish projects in Yemen.
“We are in the process of identifying the scope of the project and geographical and problematic areas. Once finalised, we will have an official announcement on details,” he added.
Focusing on providing quality primary and secondary education in crisis-stricken areas, Rota has presence in countries, including Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia.
In its sixth edition, yesterday’s Wheels ‘n’ Heels programme raised funds to finance Rota’s efforts to promote basic education in high priority countries.
Qtel yesterday donated QR150,000 in support of Rota’s projects. Apart from raising funds, the event which drew thousands of participants, also aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among families.
“We are happy with the turnout and I can say we broke the record in terms of the number of participants and the diversity of events,” said Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Falah Al Thani, Rota board member.
Among the objectives of the event is raising awareness about lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and promoting a healthy lifestyle, especially among children, said Sheikha Aisha, stressing their keenness on organising the event annually.
Held at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park, Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2013 provided eight hours of exciting activities for the whole family.
Children loved the Kidz Zone with its interactive arts space; skills-based competitions, bouncy castle, stilt walkers, sports and fitness activities, while the Wheels ‘n’ Heels Stage hosted Children’s Sing Along shows.
Music fans flocked to the stage to enjoy performances by Egyptian superstar Hamza Namira, Kuwait’s Bashar Al Shatti, Iraqi singer Rahma Riyad and Doha Jazz Band.
Bahraini comedians Ali Al Ghurair and Khalil Al Rohaithi also delivered hilarious performances.
Sport fans got to meet Al Sadd Sports Club footballers Raul Gonzales, Al Hussein Amuta, Nadir Belhadj, Wissam Rizk and Mesaad Alhamad, bike racer Mishal Al Naami and rally driver Abdulaziz Al Kuwari who were joined by the Wheels ‘n’ Heels crowd.
Other celebrities who supported the event included Professor Dr Magdy Yakoub, Al Jazeera news presenters Khadija bin Qonah and Laila Al Shaihily, Qatari actor Hamad Abdul Redha and writer-producer Tayseer Abdulla.
Hundreds tackled the Wheels ‘n’ Heels Circuit by jogging, skateboarding, walking and cycling round the Museum of Islamic Art Park to raise funds for Rota’s local and international education projects. Qtel offered bicycles.
Adrenaline junkies enjoyed the BMX Bike Show, while football fans loved the Football Free Stylers showing off their amazing skills.
Aspire Academy and ‘Girls On The Go’ took part in children’s bike training and fitness activities.
Renowned Colombian artist Jose Arias amazed the audience with his Instant Art Show, while two Brazilian Capoeira displays combined music, skills, dance and acrobatics to create a martial arts spectacle.
The Al Khor International School performed the ‘dance of a thousand hands’, a famous Indonesian dance which the crowd enjoyed.
At the Health & Active Zone, Civil Defence volunteers highlighted the importance of traffic rules and safety.
Action on Diabetes representatives provided free health advice and checkups, while the Childhood Cultural Centre provided books and arts and crafts materials.
Fitness and nutrition experts shared information on cultivating a healthy lifestyle, in the Nutrition Zone.
The Peninsula
