Tomorrow marks the commencement of the second edition of the Zayed Charity Race in Brazil, taking place at Flamingo Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The event will see a substantial turnout of both professional athletes and amateur runners, including families, with 50 Emirati runners participating alongside competitors from various nationalities. This community sports event marries physical activity with a meaningful humanitarian message.
Organising Committees and Participation
A delegation for the Zayed Charity Race departed for Rio de Janeiro yesterday, led by Major General (Ret) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee.
The event is organised by the Zayed Charity Race Committee in collaboration with ‘Abu Dhabi Legacy’, with support from the UAE Embassy in Brazil. Several Emirati companies, including ‘Liamad’, ‘Emirates Airlines‘, and ‘Mubadala’, also provide backing for this significant event.
Supporting Local Communities
According to a statement from the organising committee, proceeds from the registration will support the ‘Crianca Esperança’ programme under the ‘Afro Reggae’ cultural group, contributing to initiatives focused on education, culture, and social integration. This aims to open new opportunities for children and youth in the participating communities.
Race Details and Community Engagement
Following the official ceremonies, the 5 and 10-kilometre races will commence, culminating in an awards ceremony for top male and female competitors and special category winners. There will also be a raffle for cash prizes and travel tickets provided by ‘Emirates Airlines’, along with recognition of sponsors and partners. A special presentation will highlight the charitable impact of the race, showcasing beneficiaries and the community results achieved, followed by a closing ceremony. The total prize pool for the 2026 edition exceeds 500,000 Brazilian Reais for both distance categories, alongside community activities designed to encourage wider participation and enhance interaction with the initiative’s humanitarian message.
A Legacy of Giving
Major General (Ret) Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi stated that the second edition in Brazil underscores the international presence and growing significance of this initiative. He emphasised the race’s mission to unify communities through sports, charity, and humanitarian work, adding that all arrangements for the race have been completed. He noted, “This race embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and his steadfast belief in the values of giving and serving others. Each edition serves as a renewed source of inspiration.”