AILYN AGONIA

DOHA THE Reach Out to Asia’s (ROTA) 5th Wheels ‘n’ Heels Family Fun Day 2012 opened at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park on Friday.

Besides unveiling the prestigious Doha 2020 Olympics Bid logo and slogan ‘Inspiring Change’ in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Moza and ROTA Chairperson HE Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad al Thani, the speakers at the programme also highlighted the noble cause behind the charity event.

Funds to be raised during this year’s edition of the ROTA Wheels ‘n’ Heels will be sent for the reconstruction efforts in Japan — in areas affected by last year’s devastating tsunami.

“This is a significant community day event for ROTA where all are welcome and can enjoy the facilities.

At the same time, the fun day is to raise enough money for the people who are in need. We are hoping to get financial support from the people of Qatar through this platform,” said ROTA Board Member Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh al Thani.

The other highlights of the event included the Tour of Qatar Finale Ceremony followed by the Wheels ‘n’ Heels Circuit Round — a community cycling event. Live entertainment programmes by different performers, including Japanese artists and shows for the children, were also part of the event.

The presence of young Arab talents like nine-year-old singing sensation Hala al Turk, the UAE singer Fayez al Said, Qatari singer Ali Abdulsatar and Jordanian singing sensation Diana Karazon added glitz to the fun show.

The Reach Out to Arabia, a new initiative to benefit the Arab region, was also launched.

“The Wheels ‘n’ Heels event is being held for the fifth year. We are very happy with the commitment from the Qatar Museum Authority to let us organise this event at the MIA Park. We are trying to expand the event each year and have introduced additional fun activities.

There are also new stars attending the programmes to collaborate and show their commitments to ROTA,” ROTA Director Essa al Mannai said on the occasion.

Mannai pointed out that last year the event attracted about 10,000 residents and they were hoping to exceed the number this time.

ROTA Brand Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla al Thani hailed the occasion as a significant milestone for the charity institution.

“As a brand ambassador to ROTA, it gives me great pride to be part of the Wheels ‘n’ Heels event. Giving something back to the community is important. I recently came back from Antarctica. I’m the first Qatari to climb Mount Vincent which is the highest peak in Antarctica.

Climbing for a cause for ROTA gives us more push to continue in our endeavour,” he said.

Nada Zeidan, a female sport icon, said, “It’s been a pleasure to attend a ROTA event of this scale. This is an important occasion that encourages the new generation to understand charity activities and extend help to children in Asia.” Wheels ‘n’ Heels 2012 was made possible by the participation of a number of prominent corporations and organisations led by Strategic Partner Qatar Cycling Federation and supported by the Qatar Olympic Committee, Aspire, the Qatar Diabetes Association, Children Cultural Center, Qtel and Civil Defence.

The Japanese Ambassador to Qatar HE Kenjiro Monji was also present on the occasion.