KUWAIT: (From left) Rashid Al-Kandari - The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Triathlon Club and Federation, Mijbil Al-Ayoub - Senior Director, Corporate Communications at Ooredoo Kuwait, and Ahmed Al-Majed - General Manager at Suffix.

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce innovative digital services in Kuwait, announced its strategic partnership of the Flying Start Triathlon for the fourth year in a row at a press conference held yesterday at Ooredoo Tower in Kuwait City as a testament to its support of youth, athletes and national talents which also goes in line with its core values and its year-round social responsibility strategy.

The partnership and launching of the triathlon were announced yesterday at the conference which was headed by Mijbil Al-Ayoub - Senior Director, Corporate Communications at Ooredoo Kuwait; Ahmed Al-Majed - General Manager at Suffix; and Rashid Al-Kandari - The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Triathlon Club and Federation; who have shed light on the importance of these sporting events that encourage health and praise athletes. The role of Ooredoo Kuwait was also appraised during the conference in supporting and incubating the diverse sports talents. A number of local media representatives have also attended the press conference.

Flying Start Triathlon is an annual triathlon based in the State of Kuwait and it's one of the oldest races to take place in the region, the race includes swimming, biking and running which is divided into three categories: Super Sprint, Sprint, and Olympic. Commenting on the partnership, Ayoub said: "We are committed to constantly support youth, hone their talents and ignite their energies in various fields particularly those related to the health of their bodies and minds. This strategic partnership goes in tandem with our belief in supporting youth initiatives and athletes. We have been witnessing a great deal of demand for such sports in Kuwait, and we are proud to sponsor the Flying Start Triathlon for the fourth time. We wish all the participating athletes all the best."

Meanwhile, Majed said: "We are proud to be announcing the Flying Start Triathlon XIII on 29th and 30th October 2021 after a year break due to COVID-19, we elevated the Triathlon race experience during that time with a new location in Al-Kout, and we are excited to be seeing local and regional athletes join us again,"

Majed added: "We consider the triathlon to be the biggest races in the Middle East, and our goal today is to create a new sports culture built on ethics, discipline and sportsmanship. We also consider the strategic partnership with Ooredoo Kuwait as ideal due to its leadership position in the private sector and its support towards the youth. It is a long-term partnership."

In the meantime, Kandari expressed the club's and federation's keenness on such activities that aim to restore activity and vitality to local community and encourage them to enhance their health especially after two years of the COVID-19, which prevented them from practicing sports activities sufficiently.

The Flying Start Triathlon is an annual triathlon based in the State of Kuwait and welcomes athletes from various countries within the GCC and the world. Al-Kout will serve as the host location for the triathlon.  It accepts registrations by individuals and teams. Teams can compete only in the Sprint and Olympic categories and must have a minimum of two and a maximum of three athletes.

Flying Start Junior Duathlon will also be taking place on Friday 29th October 2021 in Al-Kout, a day prior to the Flying Start Triathlon. The race includes biking and running for ages between 4 to 12 year-olds. The race has three age groups: Junior 1: 10 to 12 years, Junior 2: 7 to 9 years, and Junior 3: 4 to 6 years.