Preparations are underway for one of Bahrain’s biggest annual fund-raising events, the 38th Charity Raft Race to be held at Al Bander Hotel and Resort in Sitra on March 28.
The charity race, run by the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya, saw 32 teams take part in last year’s event, which raised BD42,000. The organisers are this time expecting more teams to sign up for this major fund-raising event.
The event will consist of two races, one for men in open waters at the resort and a mixed event inside the lagoon area.
Each team will comprise of 10 participants, with eight on the raft and two as reserves. The cost of entering a team is BD375.
Funds collected at the event will be donated to charities that help disadvantaged children under the theme Kids-In-Need.
Some of the supported charity projects include, the Friendship Society For The Blind, Uco Parents Care Centre, Isa Town Rehabilitation Centre, Alia For Early Intervention, Handicapped Centre, the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society and the Association For Mental Retardation.
“We are hoping that this year’s event will raise around BD50,000 in order to help us achieve our goal of supporting deprived children in Bahrain,” said Steve Glyks, incoming president.
“The efforts of the Rotarians and all those who contribute to the raft race are always magnificent and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“The race will be a day of fun for families and the event is open for spectators.”
The rafts will be provided by the rotary club and participating teams will be able to practise and attend training sessions one month prior to the race.
There will also be a fellowship dinner, at a date to be announced soon, where items will be donated to raise additional funds for the cause.