Rashid Center for People of Determination and The First Group join hands to launch ‘7 Emirates Cycle Challenge’ in celebration of UAE’s 50th Jubilee

The First Group 7 Emirates Cycle Challenge is conceptualized in partnership with the Rashid Center for People of Determination with the aim to enrich young lives through sustained educational support programs. 

Starting from December 9 until December 12, the invite-only challenge will see athletes, C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs pedal their way across the seven Emirates to raise awareness and support for the Rashid Center for People of Determination. Also joining the ride will be elite members of the sport – Sánchez “Samu” Samuel, former Spanish professional road bicycle racer and Vitor Carvalho, retired pro-cyclist and former member of the UAE National Olympic Cycling Committee.

The inaugural 4-day event will support the Rashid Center with scholarships for students to attend the center’s secondary school, which provides teens with vocational training in a practical learning environment. For over two decades, The Rashid Center has been recognized for its approach to special needs education, and currently is merging therapy and education to teach children life skills while helping them gain academic qualifications. 

“The UAE is a country that provides tolerance and inclusivity, and our partnership with The First Group reflects this message. We are pleased to witness this initiative take place which seeks to raise awareness and play a positive role in providing people of determination life-changing opportunities that will also help them overcome the challenges they face,” said Mariam Othman, CEO, Rashid Center for People of Determination. 

“We are honored to partner with the Rashid Center for People of Determination to continue our commitment to enrich young lives. The 7 Emirates Cycle Challenge is very close to our hearts and is focused on spotlighting the wonderful work that Rashid Centre does for people of determination. Being our first year, it is incredible to have the event coincide with the UAE’s 50^th Jubilee celebrations and is a testament to our mission of creating a lasting and positive impact in the UAE community in line with the leadership’s five-year strategy for People of Determination,” said Rob Burns, CEO & Partner, The First Group. 

Over 24 members are confirmed to participate in the ‘7 Emirates Cycle Challenge’. The full list of participants can be viewed here – https://www.tfg7emirateschallenge.com/team/.