Sultan bin Fahad Rewards Saudi Soccer Stars at Friends of Disabled Children Festival

by Mohammed K.P

Riyadh, December 30, 2001: More than 12,000 spectators gathered last week at Riyadh's Malaz Stadium to enjoy the Friends of Disabled Children Festival (FDC). Four hours of non-stop entertainment featured a friendly match between Saudi soccer stars in memory of the late Prince Fahad bin Salman.

HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahad, and his brother Prince Ahmed, presented the Faithfulness Cup to Nawaf Al Temeyat, captain of the winning team. Participating players, including a number of Saudi international players, coaches and referees also received medals.

The Friends of Disabled Children Festival is the first joint activity between the Disabled Children Association (DCA) and Coca-Cola Saudi Arabia following the signing of a two-year corporation agreement recently in Jeddah.

Khalid Al Olayan, Chairman of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia, reiterated the Company's commitment to the local community and to support the DCA's efforts to expand the reach of its services across the Kingdom. Presently, the DCA operates five regional branch offices in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah,Jeddah, Jouf and as well as its headquarters in Riyadh.

"This is the first step in a comprehensive plan to work hand in hand with Coca-Cola over the next two years," said Olayan. "We are also confident that many more private enterprises will follow the example of Coca-Cola and support the DCA's work."

Bedsides top-class football, the Friends of Disabled Children Festival included a spectacular laser show celebrating the 20-year jubilee of the reign of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz.

Thousands of free premiums were distributed to the cheering crowds on the night, including three Mercedes Benz cars, which were raffled off by Youssef Al Jarah, one of the Saudi Arabia's best-known comedians.

The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia is currently launching a Kingdom-wide 'Friends of Disabled Children' programme to build awareness and understanding of the cause of disabled children.

Through the programme, Coca-Cola will initiate a variety of sports, cultural, and entertainment events in Makkah , Jeddah, Madinah, Jouf, and Riyadh to raise funds.

Products of The Coca-Cola Company are bottled in Saudi Arabia by The
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Saudi Arabia at the Company's plants in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Coca-Cola is leading by example in the Kingdom's ongoing 'Saudisation' drive. More than 24 per cent of the Company's 2,000 staff are made up of Saudi Nationals.