Bart Cahir (second left) President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Chairman Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh Al Thani (second right) are seen during a press conference at QREC Headquarters yesterday.
DOHA: ExxonMobil will exclusively sponsor the 2013 The Heir Apparent Sword Race that will take place on February 7.
Held under the patronage of The Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), this prominent event will see the best pure Arabians and Thoroughbreds race against one another for top honors and a chance to win QR 800,000 in prize money.
ExxonMobil’s ongoing sponsorship of the pivotal race speaks volumes to its commitment to this historically significant element of Qatari heritage, while also emphasising the important role equestrian competition continues to play today in Qatar.
Bart Cahir, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar Inc said in a press conference yesterday: “Our sponsorship of His Highness the Heir Apparent Sword Race is especially meaningful to ExxonMobil as it is a way for us to support this unique aspect of Qatar’s history - the tradition of equestrian excellence.”
The ExxonMobil President added: “The event has become not only a great source of national pride, but also a means of showcasing Qatar’s leadership in equestrian events, which we are very proud to have been affiliated with for the past five years.”
“Making the most of energy development is about more than oil and gas production for ExxonMobil, the company is also committed to delivering sustainable, long-term benefits for local communities,” he said.
“As we deeply value our role in the Qatari community – a place steeped in culture and traditions – we believe that one of the most important contributions we can make to Qatar and its citizens is to support events of cultural and traditional significance that highlight as well as preserve Qatar’s unique heritage,” said Cahir.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh Al Thani, Chairman of QREC, expressed his appreciation to the deal with ExxonMobil.
Sheikh Mohamed said yesterday: “ExxonMobil and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club share a long and fruitful partnership. We thank ExxonMobil for its ongoing support for horse racing in Qatar, which serves to strengthen and protect a sport fostered by our forefathers.”
He added: “It is our hope that events like the prestigious His Highness the Heir Apparent Sword Race further elevate the status of equestrian excellence not only in Qatar, but throughout the region and around the world.” THE PENINSULA
