| November 27, 2018
#113/2018 88 UAE children chosen as player escorts for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 thanks to Emirates Red Crescent and Continental
A dream has come true for 88 underprivileged children from across the United Arab Emirates today after they won the opportunity to become official player escorts at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
The children were selected by AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 partner Continental, and the Emirates Red Crescent, a member of the International Federation Red Cross/Crescent – an AFC Social Responsibility partner.
In a special football-themed challenge held at the Zabeel Stadium complex in Dubai, home of Al Wasl FC, 200 youngsters aged between six and nine years old participated in the competition to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the AFC Asian Cup from a totally unique vantage point.
The children's excitement was heightened by the involvement of several of the UAE's best-known footballers, including Al Wasl star Abdullah Saleh Al Junaibi, who helped launch the campaign by Continental and Emirates Red Crescent, former UAE and Al Ahli forward, Faisal Khalil, and current UAE and Al Wasl midfielder, Khamis Esmaeel and Al Nasr FC duo Al Yassi and Tareq Ahmed.
Marking the 'Year of Zayed' in the UAE, the Emirates Red Crescent selected the participating boys and girls from a list of families in the UAE who are registered with them. To narrow down the shortlist, each child was provided with their own ball which they tried to hit through two 'goals' in the Continental Challenge Wall.
Of the selected 88 children, 22 will participate at the Final, to be held at Zayed Sports City Stadium on February 1, 2019. The remaining winners will act as mascots at three first round matches featuring the national teams of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Qatar, where they will walk out hand-in-hand with some of the region's leading players.
UAE and Al Wasl midfielder, Khamis Esmaeel, commented: "So much of football is about trying to make dreams come true. 22 of the children here today can now look forward to walking out at the Zayed Sports City Stadium for the Final on 1 February. For me, and the rest of the UAE national team, we now need to realise our own dreams and do the best we can to join them."
Former UAE and Al Ahli star, Faisal Khalil, said: "It has been a real privilege to be here today and see the smiles and joy that this campaign is bringing to so many children. Football has an amazing way of bringing happiness and excitement into people's lives, and it is great that Continental is using its sponsorship of the championship in such a positive way."
The event was also attended by delegates from the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and Al Wasl FC who played a key role in supporting this initiative.
"Football belongs to all. Through the generosity of partners like Continental Tires, we are happy to bring the game to those who has never before have the chance to enjoy world-class competition or meet players live in person," said Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Director of Marketing and Communication, Local Organising Committee.
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About the AFC Asian Cup:
The AFC Asian Cup is the pinnacle international team tournament held by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) every four years to determine the champion of Asia. The competition is the second-oldest continental football championship (after the Copa America) and was first held in 1956. The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019TM expands the number of participating nations from 16 to 24, making it the biggest tournament ever.
The 2019 tournament will be the second time the UAE has hosted the event, after successfully staging the finals in 1996. The Asian Cup UAE 2019 runs from 5 January to 1 February 2019, with 51 matches being played in eight world class stadiums located across four host cities - Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Match schedules and tickets for purchase are available on www.the-AFC.com. For group ticket packages contact groups@asiancup19.ae.
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Official hashtags: #AsianCup2019 # كأس_آسيا 2019 | | | | |
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