The year 2018 is being marked as the “Year of Zayed” to celebrate the exemplary achievements of the Father of the Nation. To commemorate His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan’s act of passing the torch of unity across the seven emirates, the UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF) has announced a unique inter-emirate event named “Year of Zayed Run 2018” as a tribute to the great leader.
Plan b Group is organizing the five-kilometer marathon event, according to UAEAF. The five- km run in each emirate will welcome its natives and residents. The nationwide event will also feature fan villages and daylong celebrations within them.
The year 2018 will mark the 100th birth anniversary of the founding father of the UAE. The “Year of Zayed” will highlight the role of the late leader in establishing the UAE federation, and his local, regional and international achievements. The “Year of Zayed Run 2018” will be an opportunity for all residents in the UAE to participate in a nationwide tribute to the Founding Father in their respective emirates, also marking the solidarity and progressiveness of the UAE.
“We are delighted to announce this nationwide event that will congregate residents in each emirate on a single day to run, jog or walk alongside family and friends. The event will be a public tribute commemorating the exemplary leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who laid the foundation for one of the most ambitious and progressive Arab nations in the world. I invite all businesses, family and friends to come out and join us for such an auspicious event,” said Ahmed Kamali, UAEAF president.
“The inter-emirate run will further support the country’s happiness, health and fitness agenda besides being a nationwide event that amplifies the solidarity and unity of the UAE,” he added.
Harmeek Singh, Plan b Group Founder and Chairman, said, “The responsibility of planning and organizing a tribute to honor The Father of the Nation is the biggest honor in its own right. The event will certainly be a patriotic highlight of 2018 and we invite all residents of the UAE to come and display their love for the man who made the Union possible.”
“The route in each Emirate will cover its iconic landmarks. The event will culminate into a celebration village in each location that will feature a specially curated tribute to the Father of the Nation as well as concerts and other cultural entertainment,” he added.
Further details about date, time, venue in each Emirate, and registration points will be announced.
