UAE winners of Inspired by Diabetes awarded at special ceremony and now entered into the global art competition

UAE - June 6, 2008 - Winners of the local art competition, 'Inspired by Diabetes' were announced Thursday at a special ceremony as part of the international initiative to raise awareness about the devastating disease.  The contest, which was launched in November for UAE participants under the patronage of her Excellency Dr. Mariam Matar of the National Diabetes Committee and Dr. Al Madani of the Emirates Diabetes Society, is a collaboration between Lilly and the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Unite for Diabetes initiative.

Diabetes specialists, artists, musicians and children came together at the Jam Jar, a local art gallery, where the ceremony was held. The event included a gallery of the competition submissions, presentations by Eli Lilly, a performance by local musicians, ABRI and a fun corner where children painted canvases.

'Inspired by Diabetes' encourages people with diabetes as well as their families and friends to creatively express how diabetes has impacted their lives. It is a unique way of drawing attention to the global epidemic that affects nearly 250 million people worldwide. Here in the UAE, understanding diabetes is especially important given that this country has the second highest rate in the world per capita with one out of every five people aged 20 to 79 living with the disease. 

The six winners in three age categories will now move on to the global competition for a chance to win a $5,000 USD contribution to charity, trophy and an all-expense paid trip to attend the opening of the U.S. exhibition.

Fahd, the nine-year old winner of the under nine category, was exciting that his drawing was chosen from the hundreds of UAE submissions. His drawing, which he drew with his friend Hamdan entitled 'Sports Prevent Diabetes', shows two healthy happy children playing football while a third, obese child eats sweets.  

"I think playing sports is the best way to prevent diabetes," says Fahd. "Although playing football needs a lot of effort, I encourage everyone to do so as it keeps them fit and happy."

Aseel from Al Fajr School in Abu Dhabi worked with her sister and a friend on their drawing depicting the four women of the popular show 'Freej'.

"We wanted to show that diabetes is affecting people in the UAE. We thought that the characters from Freej would make people realize the dangers of the disease but in a way that isn't too serious," says Aseel. "Since my elder sister is studying nursing, I always hear a lot about diabetes and ways of prevention," added Hadeel.

All submissions to the local contest were judged by local artists, healthcare practitioners and media based on their artistic quality, creativity, and the emotional impact of the artwork. Judges included Dr. Al Madani, of the Emirates Diabetes Society, artist Salma Al Merri, Saeed Shalash, Editor, Zahrat Al Khaleej, Hamdan Al Abri, lead singer of the band ABRI and Rachael Brown of the Jam Jar, a local art gallery and studio that are providing free art workshops for the winners.   

"I believe that this contest has a real power to show how diabetes can affect patients and people around them in so many ways," explains Rima Maalouf, Corporate Communication Manager of Eli Lilly for the Middle East and North Africa Area. "There has been a wonderful response to 'Inspired by Diabetes' and it is amazing to see examples of how the disease can touch our lives and how we can come together to support one another."

Lilly is also running Inspired by Diabetes in several countries in the Middle East.

Visit www.inspiredbydiabetes-me.com to see all winning artwork from across the Middle East.

Information about sponsors of "Inspired by Diabetes ":

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Lilly: 
Lilly is a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.  Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. 

In June 1998, Lilly established the first human insulin manufacturing facility in Egypt, Middle East and Africa, inaugurated by President Mubarak. Today it exports to more than 10 countries  in Asia and Africa and ranks in the top exporters in the pharmaceutical industry.

IDF: 
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is the global advocate for more than 240 million people with diabetes worldwide. It represents 200 diabetes associations in more than 160 countries. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. Additional information about IDF is available at www.idf.org.

Issued by TBWA/RAAD, an exclusive Ketchum affiliate, on behalf of Eli Lilly (Suisse) S.A. For more information, kindly contact Jamie Read, TBWA/RAAD/PR.

© Press Release 2008