QREC sign Total E&P; as title sponsors for Paris races
29/08/2007 |
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Total E & P Qatar and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) Tuesday signed an agreement where Total will be the title sponsor for the Qatar Total French Arabian Breeder’s Cup Mile, Total French Arabian Breeder’s Cup Classic and Total Prix le Rochette (Grade III) for Thoroughbred horses to be held at the Longchamp race course, Paris from September 6 to 9.
The sponsorship agreement was signed by REC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain and Total E & P Qatar managing director Philippe Guys at the Grandstand of the REC.
The Total-sponsored races carry a total prize money of Euros 650,000. The announcement of the title sponsorship showcases Total’s commitment to the traditional and popular sport disciplines in the country. It also serves to cement the excellent relationship between REC and Total.
At the announcement of the sponsorship deal, Total’s managing director Philippe Guys said: “We are delighted to sign up as the title sponsor for the races to be held in Paris. This association with the Racing and Equestrian Club reflects Total’s continued support for this organisation.”
“We have been the main sponsors for the Emir’s Sword Race and the Heir Apparent Sword Race for many years, but today we are going a step further to reach across the borders of Qatar and we are very proud of being a part of it.
Total has been in Qatar for over 70 years and our presence in this country has always had the best relations with the people of Qatar. In terms of sports, horses have been one of the activity that we share with Qatar but we also sponsor women’s tennis championship every year,” Mr Phillipe added.
“When we heard about the French-Qatar manifestation, we definitely wanted to participate as we thought the French should know more about Qatar and this could be a very good occasion to do so. This is an opportunity to build on the relationship between Qatar and France. We look forward to making it a better event next year and will continue to be associated with REC and its activities.”
In his comments, Sami said: “This is the first time that we are hosting a festival of this level outside Qatar in the equestrian field. This been held to promote Pure Arabian horse racing internationally. In this regard we spoke to France Gallop and the Arabian horse racing organisation to help us to promote this type of racing and move it from Toulesse to Longchamp, the best race track in France. We expect a huge crowd to witness these races. Qatar has always promoted Arabian horse racing and this time we have gone a step further by organising it in Paris.”
Apart from the racing, the National Heritage Council will be setting up a Heritage Village to showcase the culture and history of Qatar. “The National Heritage Council accepted our invitation to be a part of this festival and for the first time an event of this kind has been held in Longchamp. We are looking forward to making this festival bigger and better in the coming years,” Mr Sami added.
“We would like to thank Total for being part of our development and for sponsoring this event. They have always been the main sponsor of the big events here in Qatar and we are delighted that they have once again taken up the challenge.”
The three-day event will be telecast live by Al Jazeera Sports. “We are happy that Al Jazeera Sports will be telecasting the races live which will be seen in many countries. Qatar’s effort to promote the sport will be highlighted all over.”
Apart from Total, Qatar Airways are also one of the sponsors who will provide air tickets to the raffle draw winners during the races.
(Source: Qatarolympics.org)
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