Manny Pacquiao to support Charity Rahma, through RahmaYAS event this Saturday

Sporting superstar will be at YMC to walk & cycle to help raise funds and awareness for cancer charity in capital

Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, 3rd November, 2015: Manny Pacquiao, one of the world’s greatest sporting superstars, will be at Yas Marina Circuit this Saturday to support Rahma, a new charitable cancer service in Abu Dhabi.

The Filipino boxer will be on hand to inspire those taking part in RahmaYAS, a charity walk & cycle around Yas Marina Circuit. The event will raise awareness of Rahma, a charitable service launched by the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to provide practical and psychological support for people diagnosed with cancer.

The ‘Champion of the People’, as he is commonly known, is closely connected to Rahma, acting its patron. He will be taking part on Saturday to inspire UAE residents to lead an active lifestyle and will support Rahma with a generous USD50,000.

Rahma, the Arabic word for mercy, is a charitable service launched last month by the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to provide practical and psychological support for people diagnosed with cancer.

RahmaYAS, happening this Saturday, 7thNovemberfrom 4pm, will give thousands of participants a chance to walk or run 3km and cycle two laps of the iconic F1 circuit in a non-competitive environment.

The event aims to raise awareness of the new charity, to attract volunteers and to raise as much as AED200,000 through entrance fees and additional donations.

“Having Manny’s support for Rahma is something we’re very proud of,” said Dr Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, chairman of the board of directors of Cancer Patient Care Society.

“If one man demonstrates the passion and determination to succeed, it is him. I know that his presence at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend will inspire the community, as well as raise awareness for our charity.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We’re thrilled that Manny Pacquiao will be at Yas Marina Circuit to support RahmaYAS on Saturday.

“Participation will be high for this event as Manny joins everybody for the walk and cycle, and supports Rahma as they begin their crucial role in assisting people living with cancer.” 

Entrance to RahmaYAS costs AED50 with all proceeds going directly to Rahma, which is a voluntary organisation. Entrants will be given a purple or white t-shirt to run and cycle in. They will also have access to an “entertainment village” with live music and healthy food and beverage choices, making the event fun for all members of the family.

Rahma was founded under the patronage of H.H. Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was officially launched at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi on September 15, 2015.

The charity aims to devise support mechanisms that help to ease the suffering that cancer patients and their families go through after being diagnosed with the disease.

It plans to build a database of the world’s best cancer hospitals and medical centres and create a free and confidential hotline offering 24/7 advice to cancer patients in both Arabic and English.

An interactive website is also to be launched, providing a means for people to make donations and sign up to the volunteering scheme. It will contain testimonies from cancer patients to inspire others confronting the disease. Meanwhile, a free-to-download app will highlight the society’s key activities and objectives.

Rahma will run a media awareness campaign designed to educate the community about the dangers of cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. It will also offer group therapy sessions for cancer patients as a forum to exchange experiences and to help them deal with the psychological impacts of diagnosis.

RahmaYAS joins other events including Zayed Marathon, The Color Run and The Walk which are all held at Yas Marina Circuit, the home of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, and which all seek to engage the community in health and fitness related activity.

RahmaYAS Event details:

Date: November 7, 2015

Location: Yas Marina Circuit

Timings: Gates open: 4pm. Official Start: 6pm. Gates Close: 8pm

Tickets with entry at AED 50 per person for cycle & Walk, Spectator entry at AED 10.

Registration online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com