Etihad Airways has been appointed the main sponsor of the Abu Dhabi International Sailing School and official airline for the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) for the 2006 season.
The sailing school sponsorship sees the logo of the world’s leading new airline emblazoned on 40 Optimist boats as well as students’ life jackets, school bus and car, while students benefit from travelling on Etihad for international competitions and regattas.
“Etihad Airways is delighted to be aligning itself with tomorrow’s sailing champions,” said Raymond Korban, regional general manager, UAE and Oman, Etihad Airways. “Etihad is a youthful airline and this sponsorship fits our profile perfectly and is in line with our wider strategy to support UAE sports at all levels.”
The 13-year-old ADIMSC has been the driving force behind the growth of powerboat racing, which is another sport that the UAE’s national airline supports through its sponsorship of the annual UIM Formula One World Powerboat Championship.
The Optimist, an under 14’s international sailing class, provides fun and excitement for more than 150,000 children globally.
The small fibre-glass one-manned boats are ideal for teaching eight-year-olds basic sailing skills and stimulating 14-year-olds competing in regattas.
The interactive nature of sailing also builds children’s self reliance, physical strength and quick-thinking skills.
The ADIMSC is opening a sailing school that will nurture the development of a junior sailing team for eight to 14s who will be trained in Optimist sailing by professional instructors.
Beginners will learn basic boat handling skills and sail in a safe and playful way, intermediates will grasp more advanced manoeuvres as well as basic racing rules and tactics while those in the Advanced category are taught advanced racing techniques, sail trim and boat speed, preparing them for international competitions.
The club invites all school managers and parents to see for themselves the Optimist sailing class facilities before encouraging their children to start sailing.
All children that wish to participate in ADIMSC sailing school activities must have a swimming diploma and suitable clothing and shoes.
Photo caption: Left to right: Geert Boven, VP Commercial Etihad Airways - Raymond Korban, regional general manager, UAE and Oman, Etihad Airways – Saif Al Fuwaidi, Finance and Administration Manager, ADIMSC.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and will now offer flights for Guests and cargo to 30 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options to 69 destinations across 23 countries. Packages include skiing, fly-drives, cruises and tours.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.com
