ShareKUWAIT: In keeping with his habit of recognizing youth talents, Chairman of BNK Group, Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi has awarded brand new Volvo cars to Kuwait’s 2024 Paralympic champions Faisal Sorour (gold medalist) and Faisal Al-Rajhi (bronze medalist). Their incredible success filled Kharafi with immense pride. “I feel so proud that Kuwaiti athletes secured those medals in such a tough environment and fierce competition,” he said, adding that their achievements convey a powerful message to the world. “There is nothing impossible. Dedication, commitment and patience are what paved their way to success,” Kharafi explained.
He perceives his gestures of encouragement as a crucial role that everyone should play. “It’s important to appreciate and reward young talent. Knowing that someone is there to support them drives them even further to accomplish their goals,” he noted. It is this very kind of support that Faisal Sorour credits with his remarkable journey from winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 to becoming Kuwait’s first gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. “During the Tokyo Games, Bader gifted me a gas-powered Volvo car right after I received my medal. This time, I gave it my all and was rewarded with a fully electric car,” he recalled.
“This recognition motivates us to strive harder so we can accomplish something truly deserving of the name of Kuwait,” he added. He also attributed his success to his coach, Ahmed Harbi, who has supported him throughout his journey since the Tokyo Games. Sorour expressed his joy in being a source of pride for his people. “Whenever I walk down the street or visit malls, I see happy faces, and people greet me, saying, you made us cry,” he said.
On winning the bronze medal, Faisal Al-Rajhi said: “It’s an indescribable feeling.” He highlighted that this accomplishment isn’t simply the outcome of a few months of effort. “It has been nearly seven years of training day and night - involving significant sacrifices,” Al-Rajhi said. He expressed gratitude that his hard work paid off, saying: “The moment I clinched this medal, all the memories of hardships faded away. It was a wonderful feeling to stand on the top podium.” Rajhi also assured that, God willing, he aims for gold at the Los Angeles Paralympics 2028. He thanked Bader Al-Kharafi for the honor. “It’s not unexpected from him; he has always been a great supporter,” he added.
In a thoughtful decision, Ashraf Tamimi, General manager of BNK Automotive, said that BNK Automotive has opted to provide electric cars to the champions for a specific reason. “We aimed to ensure that the athletes can recharge their vehicles conveniently at home without needing to visit a gas station,” he explained. Emphasizing this initiative’s alignment with Volvo’s values, he remarked on the brand’s commitment to “prioritizing people and their safety.”
