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BAHRAIN'S leading artist has painted an awe-inspiring work of art to help spur Bahrain to victory in the vital World Cup first leg play-off game against New Zealand.
The celebrated visionary's masterpiece will go on display at the National Stadium to allow the players, management and supporters to step out with confidence and pride to enable them to live the dream of reaching the World Cup Finals in South Africa next year.
It is featured exclusively in the middle pages of today's GulfWeekly and will be put up for auction to raise money for the Think Pink charity - which this month is aiming to save lives and raise awareness about breast cancer.
The boys in red are just two games away from securing a coveted spot in the world's biggest sporting spectacular - Saturday's home clash and then a daunting away match in Wellington on November 14.
Abbas, known as the 'godfather of peace and art in Bahrain', said from his studio in Saar: "I hope this painting helps to inspire the team to victory - it would mean so much to the people of Bahrain."
Abbas, 66, has been exhibiting all around the globe for the last two decades and has been involved in numerous community and charitable projects. He has won countless prizes for his work and in one major project encouraged children and professional artists to paint and take photographs of images which should help promote peace. As the project started growing it extended itself into music, singing and poetry. The United Nations commended him for his work at its 60th anniversary which too enhanced his reputation.
Abbas has also played a key role in the community on the sporting front in recent years. His Yalla Bahrain! Motorsport Art Exhibition opened to international acclaim at the national museum by Grand Prix driver Rubens Barrichello and follow up F1 projects have included bringing together the kingdom's art-loving youngsters on a motor racing painting adventure.
