Reflecting on the success that was the 4th edition of the Qatar Cyclists Centre organised, Ooredoo Ride of Champions, the 2020 edition made history, with the most inclusive edition of the event. Even the current COVID-19 situation could hold back the enthusiasm and excitement of the organisers and partners in making it the most inclusive event ever by Qatar Foundation, Best Buddies Qatar and Accessible Qatar. At Education City, Qatar Foundation, 1,700 riders, ranging in age from 3 to 68 years of age, took part in the event. This year’s Ooredoo Ride of Champions featured two very special rides, creating a platform for athletes with unique needs to capture center stage and demonstrate their abilities to ride, enjoy, exercise, and be a winner!
The first of these was the Wheelchair and Handcycle Race, which was a competition amongst athletes with incredible upper-body strength, capable of cycling with their hands at speeds up to and over 30 km per hour. Another ride, which was launched in previous editions of the Ooredoo Ride of Champions, was the Best Buddies ride. This ride features Best Buddies participants and their closest friends, to take a ride at their own pace around the lush and beautiful Green Spine at Qatar Foundation. With ample supervision and safety precautions in place, the organisers built the perfect platform for Best Buddies riders to enjoy the beautiful day and captivating atmosphere, all while accomplishing the amazing. More than 40 attendees with exceptional accessibility needs participated in the 2020 edition of the Ooredoo Ride of Champions, providing a terrific platform to put the spotlight on the need for greater accessibility for people with disabilities.
Commenting on the accessibility events held at this year’s Ooredoo Ride of Champions, Ambassador to Ooredoo and Qatar Cyclists Center Board Member, and a Qatari cycling superstar, Ali bin Towar Al Kuwari, said: “The vision of the Ride of Champions has always been to be for the entire community of Qatar and year on year we have worked to widen the event to include not only racing cyclists but families, youth and now para-sport participants, as well as those from ability sport whether they are neuro diverse or para-athletes.” Amy Johnson, Community Engagement Director, Qatar Foundation, said: “Hosting the Ooredoo Ride of Champions – an event designed for people of all ages and abilities – at Education City reflects the diversity of Qatar Foundation, and how we offer a vibrant and welcoming environment that has something for everyone, all year round. Jack Saba, General Manager of Public Affairs commented: “At Sasol, we are proud to have supported the Ooredoo Ride of Champions to become more inclusive with our Definitely Able and Accessible CSR initiatives, by conducting physical accessibility audits of the venue and by providing Handcycles enabling more wheelchair users to participate in the competitive wheelchair / handcycle ride.
I would like to thank the organisers and sponsors for their support and passion to make the Ride of Champions accessible for all.” While the event has a history of welcoming cyclists of all ages and experience levels, ranging from beginners to the most experienced amateurs, the organisers aimed to reach higher and farther for more members of our community to participate. The previous year was the first time in which members of the community with either neurodiverse or ability needs were able to be a champion at the Ooredoo Ride of Champion. Abdulrahman Al Yafei, ambassador of Accessible Qatar, a Sasol initiative, added: “Everyone should try a handbike, as it’s a very social activity, and builds hand and upper-body strength. It is unlike a normal bicycle. I have trained for a few months as it is fairly new for me. I reached speeds of 35-40 km/h. I’ve truly enjoyed this year’s Ride of Champions - as it is Qatar’s most inclusive event. No matter your physical ability, it has a category for you.
Can’t wait for next year’s edition!” On behalf of Latifa Kuwari, Executive Director of the Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, Laalei Abu Alfain extended her thanks and appreciation to the Qatar Cyclists Center for giving the opportunity to the members of Best Buddies Qatar to participate in the Ooredoo Ride of Champions in 2020. The event organisers at Qatar Cyclists Center thanked their Title Partner Ooredoo, hosts Qatar Foundation, partners Dolphin Energy, the Qatar National Tourism Council and Turkish Airlines. Additionally, the support of key government entities: Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Cycling Federation, Traffic Police and the approval to enable the event of the Ministry of Public Health. Further gratitude is expressed to the event's supporters Garmin Lingawi, Rasen Sports, Rayyan Water, Aspetar, GMC and accessibility partners Best Buddies and Accessible Qatar. Further details about the Ooredoo Ride of Champions, can be found at www.rocdoha.qa or by following @rocdoha on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
