More Than 1750 Volunteers to Take Part in 2010 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi, October 18, 2010- Takatof National Volunteering Programme and Yas Marina Circuit today concluded a three-year strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) whereby Takatof volunteers will take part in all the sport events organized by Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM).  

Among these events will be the 2010 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be held at Yas Marina Circuit on November 11 - 14. 

The MoU follows the fruitful cooperation that Takatof male and female volunteers demonstrated during their participation in the first 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, organized last November. Around 1,118 volunteers participated in the event. They completed more than 47,000 hours of voluntary work, which was admired by all and contributed to the overall success.  

Cooperation between Takatof and Yas Marina Circuit includes providing voluntary services for Grandstand information and assistance, hospitality, media support, and information stands at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports thereby utilizing the volunteers' skills and enthusiasm to ensure better services for visitors throughout the event.  
 

"This partnership between Takatof and Yas Marina Circuit will provide a valuable opportunity for Emiratis to develop new skills and be involved in some of the region's most important sporting events," said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit. 

"We are all extremely excited about the Grand Prix in November, and the support from this partnership will help to ensure we provide first-class service to all international and local visitors." 
 

Takatof Executive Director Maytha Al Habsi said: "The 2010 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will offer a new and unique experiment for our volunteers to deal responsibly with large numbers of the public. 
 
 

"The volunteers," she added, "are very ardent to take part in this event as it gives them a real chance to develop their administrative skills." 

Maytha Al Habsi said she was pleased with the signing of this memorandum - covering the period through to December 2013 - as it will offer male and female volunteers a lot of opportunities and will challenge their abilities in this important sporting event.  

Meanwhile, the Takatof programme will provide special training courses for the volunteers who take part in the Grand Prix. Training will cover tasks and duties assigned to each volunteer in addition to technical training on public safety, client services and protocol. 

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About Yas Marina Circuit 
Yas Marina Circuit is the world's newest and one of the most technologically advanced motor racing facilities ever developed. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit debuted on October 30, 2009 with the final race of the FIA Formula 1TM World Championship - the inaugural Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Year round, Yas Marina Circuit hosts an extensive programme of leading international and national motorsport racing series as well as entertainment events and corporate activities. Its facilities include the Yas Drag Racing Centre and the Yas Racing School. 

Takatof
The Takatof National Programme for Social Volunteering was launched to fulfill the vision of General HH Sheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It promotes the culture of volunteering throughout the UAE, mobilizing the available resources and finding sustainable and creative solutions for those in need. 

www.takatof.ae  

For more information please contact: 
Houssam Kablawi
Edelman UAE
M: 00971-50-4415126.
E: Houssam.kablawi@edelman.com  

© Press Release 2010