Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, organized a “Run for a Cause” fun run as part of a year-long celebration of the airline’s tenth anniversary.

All funds raised will go to the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre. The Centre provides psychiatric and educational services to children with autism and helps integrate them in the community.

Participants of all ages gathered at the Abu Dhabi Corniche to run the five kilometres along the Corniche course. Each of the five winners won a pair of tickets to any Etihad Airways’ destinations.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ Chairman of the Sports and Social Committee and Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs, said: “As the UAE flag carrier we are at the heart of the community, we feel strongly about giving back to those in need.

“We hope that by bringing people together like this, we will help raise awareness and vital funds for a very deserving cause, and at the same time celebrate our tenth anniversary celebrations.”

The Autism Centre’s Head of Special Needs Sector, Mariam Saif Al Qubaisi, said: “I would like to extend our appreciation to Etihad Airways for its generous initiative in organising this charity marathon. Etihad Airways has always been generous in supporting special needs institutes, such as the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre and we hope we continue working closely in the future.”

The fun run was held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain Mineral Water, Prestige Travel and Tourism, Beach Rotana Hotel, Aramex, Burjeel Hospital, Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, Sports 360 magazine and Takatof.

Many other activities were organised including free health screenings by Burjeel hospital, fitness exercises and face painting activities for children. Additionally, a special Skip2Bfit challenge was held in which participants were asked to skip for two minutes and prizes were awarded to top skippers.

The charity fun run is one of the events organized by Etihad Airways to commemorate its tenth anniversary which include the colossal prize of 10 million Etihad Guest Miles, free flights for children turning 10 in 2013 as well as other prizes and events.

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