Air Arabia, a leading low-cost carrier in Mena, has launched a sponsorship programme of sailing events which includes races in 12 international regattas and championships over 10 months.

Titled the “2010 Air Arabia Sailing Adventure”, the sponsorship comes in association with BMI Bank, the Bahrain based associate of Bank Muscat, and Audi Bahrain.

As part of the “2010 Air Arabia Sailing Adventure” and in order to qualify for the 2010 Asian Games, 25 year-old Air Arabia pilot and Olympic sailor Sami Al Kooheji will compete in 12 international regattas and training camps in the GCC, Europe and Asia.

These will include the 2010 world championships to be held in the UK at Haling Island in August.

These challenges will test Al Kooheji's strategy, strength and skill to be fully prepared for the 2010 Asian Games to be held in the city of Guangzhou in China, a statement said.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the launch of the 2010 Air Arabia Sailing Adventure along side BMI Bank and Audi Bahrain,” said AK Nizar, head of commercial, Air Arabia.

“At Air Arabia, we believe that sports play an integral role in today’s society, promoting values such as dedication, determination, competition and good sportsmanship. Air Arabia’s commitment to the sport of sailing has been growing year after the other and we are proud to once again support Sami in his run to the Asian Olympic Games,” Nizar added.

BMI Bank and Audi Bahrain signed on with title sponsors Air Arabia recently.

“We are delighted to strategically partner Sami in his new campaign,” said Andrew Bainbridge, chief executive officer of BMI Bank.

“Our key pillars at BMI Bank include innovation, inspiration, teamwork, integrity and customer satisfaction. As a Bahraini Olympian, Sami represents all these values which is one of the reasons we proud to support his campaign.”

Running in tandem with the “2010 Air Arabia Sailing Adventure” Sami will be acting as an ambassador of “Think Pink” campaign to promote breast cancer awareness in the GCC.

Sami’s campaign will also be partnered and assisted by the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association, Team Pindar, Sail Bahrain and GAC.

The first regatta on the campaign titled “Sail the Gulf” will take place in Doha, Qatar on February 16. – TradeArabia News Service