Thousands participate in NBK’s Walkathon titled ‘We’re Stronger... With Every Step’

NBK’s annual walkathon exceed all expectations

KUWAIT: Amidst a carnival-like atmosphere, nine thousands of male and female enthusiastic participants of all age groups on Saturday took to the smooth course of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK’s) Annual Walkathon titled “We’re Stronger... With Every Step”. Thousands of cheering supporters and spectators and media lined the racing route on the Arabian Gulf Street to the finish line at the Shuwaikh Beach Park where the hugely successful conclusion of this event and the award ceremony was marked with a variety of entertainment activities. NBK organized its annual Walkathon for the 23rd consecutive year. Isam Al Sager, NBK Group Chief Executive Officer, Salah Al Fulaij, NBK- Kuwait Chief Executive Officer and NBK- Kuwait Deputy CEO and NBK General Manager, Treasury Group, Sulaiman Al Marzouq joined NBK officials who took part in the Walkathon.

Speaking in front of thousands of contestants, spectators and guests, who gathered at the end of the walkathon to celebrate the awarding of the first-place winners and enjoy the carnival, NBK Public Relations Assistant General Manager, Manal Al Mattar said that the huge participation from the various age categories at the 23rd version of NBK’s Annual Walkathon had by far exceeded all expectations, providing yet another testament of the great community confidence in this mega event which has become one of the much awaited NBK public activities. 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 added “NBK strongly supports sporting events and encourages sporting activities as means to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for members of the community. NBK’s 2017 Walkathon aimed to encourage each individual to believe in their ability towards making a change.”

The Walkathon culminated with a prize giving ceremony where NBK awarded the top 100 participants, and gave away many valuable prizes alongside the two brand new Renault cars from Al Babtain Group as grand prizes. NBK’s Social Media team broadcast the Walkathon live on NBK’s Official Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram Pages, posting regular updates throughout the day.

RACE PREPARATIONS Several communication points were set up along the race route between the Green Island 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.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AT SHUWAIKH BEACH PARK For the second year, the event included organizing events dedicated to children aged 5 to 11 years old, set up a Shuwaikh Beach Park. The children participated in several fun-filled contests and games, under the supervisor of NBK’s volunteers. SPECIAL NEEDS AND ELDERLIES 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 active and vital role in various areas and fields, particularly sports. This year witnessed the participation of special needs contestants who successfully took part in the competition, thanks to their determination and enthusiasm, thus achieving a significant milestone in reinforcing their confidence and boosting their hopes.

Also, for the first time this year, NBK initiated a new racing category for participants aged 60 years old and above to encourage a healthier lifestyle among all members of the society. TWO NBK WALKATHON GRAND PRIZE WINNERS OF RENAULT Ibrahim Mohammed Al Desouki and Don Solo were the lucky winners of two brand new Renault cars presented by Al Babtain Group during NBK’s 23rd Walkathon grand prize draw, supervised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The winners were among thousands of participants who placed their race coupons in the designated draw box at the time of registration. The two winners received their car keys from Saleh Al Babtain, Al Babtain Group CEO and Isam Al Sager, NBK Group CEO. Additionally, NBK presented a large number of prizes and surprises, in response to the public great interaction with the bank’s social mission, which receives overwhelming response each year from all age groups, particularly young people.