The money was presented to Sheikh Eid Charitable Foundation
DOHA: A team of cyclists representing Qatar in an international event has raised QR160,000 to support needy families.
‘The Qatar Sandstormers,’ at the 2013 Global Biking Initiative, have raised funds for the ‘Beitak Beiti’ initiative, in association with Sheikh Eid Charitable Foundation.
The money will be used to support over 200 poor and disadvantaged families of different nationalities without the basic necessities to live a decent life in Qatar. Necessities include refrigerators, air conditioners and safe cooking stoves.
Qatar Sandstormers braved a tough 850km journey from Paris to Neuss, covering France, Luxemburg, Belgium and Germany, to raise awareness about Beitak Beiti while securing the money to support their pledge.
They were also recognised by the Global Biking Initiative organisers as the team which raised the most funds.
Team Captain and Qatari national Marouf Tirad Mahmoud said: “The team’s hard training, fundraising and marketing activities contributed to our success this year. The Qatar Sandstormers stood out very clearly from 400 other cyclists from 25 countries. It was very energising going through European cities and hearing ‘Go Qatar’ come out of street cafes and rolling cars. Thanks to our Qatari corporate sponsors for making such a big impact through cycling.
“We’ve helped poor families in Qatar, brought cycling back to the scene and presented Qatar as a country that produces great teams.”
Abdullah Al Kaabi from the foundation said: “Beitak Beiti aims to support poor and disadvantaged families by providing them with necessary household electrical appliances.”
Last year the Qatar Sandstormers raised QR36,000 to fund scholarships, allowing marginalised and disadvantaged students in Kailali — a remote rural area regularly affected by flooding — to continue their secondary education.
The Peninsula
