NBK holds its 22nd annual Walkathon The biggest sports carnival with over 100 winners awarded
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) kicked off its annual Walkathon on Saturday, December 3, 2016 under the slogan “We’re Stronger... With Every Step”, where thousands of runners took part in the competitive race that started at the Green Island and ended at the Shuwaikh Beach Park. The event was culminated by awarding over 100 contestants in a huge gracious carnival.
Among the participants of this enormous sports event were Isam Al Sager, NBK Group CEO, Shaikha Al Bahar, Deputy Group CEO, Emad Ahmed Al Ablani, NBK General Manager, Group Human Resources, Suresh Bajpai NBK General Manager, Consumer Banking Group, Mohammed Othman, NBK’s Deputy General Manager, Consumer Banking Group, Saleh Abdulmohsen Al Babtain, Al Babtain Group CEO, and Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, alongside several top executives from NBK and Al Babtain Group, in addition to several sports and social figures.
Manal Faisal Al Mattar, NBK Communications Executive Manager said in her event’s speech that the National Bank of Kuwait is so proud to be a lead initiator in launching such a huge sports carnival, the biggest of its kind across Kuwait dating back over 22 years ago, in support of health and sports in Kuwait. She expressed her happiness of the great continuous success of NBK’s annual Walkathon, and the huge mass participation that continues to far exceed all expectations at every event.
Al Mattar commended the great collaboration exhibited by different ministries and governmental institutions, spearheaded by both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior, in addition to the Kuwaiti Association of Athletics Federations, all showing great cooperation to ensure the event’s success.
Al Mattar also stressed that NBK maintains its position as the premier community leader in serving the Kuwaiti society through its commitment to uphold its inherent social responsibility cultural approach. She added that NBK takes pride in its mission of dedicating this culture through launching several key vital social programs across various sectors including education, health, recruitment, training and social support, in addition to sports initiatives and environmental activities.
Several communication points were set up along the race route (extending 11 KM); between the Green Island, Kuwait Towers, Souq Sharq, and Shuwaikh Beach Park. By the early morning hours, organizers ensured the full readiness of the site to receive the participants. The event started after NBK volunteers finalized all required organizational and preventive measures to ensure the safety of the contestants. Furthermore, the team also collaborated with paramedics and medical emergency teams assigned by Ministry of Health, who provided the required tools in case of emergencies. Besides the huge coordination with Ministry of Interior, the Ministry spread its units along the entire distance of the Walkathon, and diligently followed up on all its events.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony included many surprises, entertainment events, and rewarding competitions for both contestants and attending audience as well. Awards were presented to the top ten winners from each age group, as well as the special needs category winners, in addition to a draw on three brand new Renault 2016 cars offered by Al-Babtain Group.
Children’s activities at Shuwaikh Beach Park
This year’s event included organizing events dedicated to children aged 7 to 12 years old, set up a Shuwaikh Beach Park from 9:00am to 12:00pm. The children participated in several fun-filled contests and games, under the supervisor of NBK’s volunteers.
Tough competition
A huge sense of enthusiasm prevailed among participants, who showed a great deal of determination to complete the race and win advanced positions. The competition lasted till the final stages, especially by returned participants who continued to join the race during the previous years, aiming to hold their positions and to grab additional medals.
Sheer will and determination
As part of the ongoing comprehensive coverage and follow up on NBK’s Walkathon event this year, and keeping up the theme of “We’re Stronger... With Every Step”, several athletes shared their experiences with the participants, highlighting their stories filled with success and achievements, in order to encourage and push them to believe in their abilities and to adopt interest in sports as an appropriate behavior that leads to change and assist in fulfilling aspirations.
Special Needs champions
NBK dedicates an annual special competition within the race for people with special needs, as part of the bank’s beliefs of the utmost importance of involving all members of society and their ability to prove their