Abu Dhabi School Kids Bring Colour To F1™

Children in Abu Dhabi brought the inaugural Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to life today when 50 pupils from the ABC Private School painted special miniature versions of race cars.

The 7-12 year-olds decorated the mini models as part of Yasalam’s The Art of Racing series of Formula One™ related community events and activities. A total of 150 Abu Dhabi school children have now taken part in mini model painting.

The mini model painting was organised by KHP Consulting, an international sports marketing and events agency specialising in F1™, and Flash to generate interest in the big race amongst the younger generation. The Art of Racing will also include five life-size replica F1™ body shells, painted live by top local artists and showcased in public areas of Abu Dhabi until November 2, 2009. In addition, students will take part in a F1™ photography, canvas painting and creative writing competitions, with all elements of the programme combining to engage the entire community of Abu Dhabi with F1™.

Mogens D. Mikklesen, director of ABC Private School, said: “Everyone at the school is glad to see the F1 come to Abu Dhabi, but I believe it’s the future races that really count. This was a great surprise for the children and they were very inquisitive about why they have been given the model cars to paint. It is good to get them involved and hopefully they will be the F1 fans of the future.”

Katja Heim, CEO of KHP Consulting, said: “We are delighted to be working in Abu Dhabi developing these essential community outreach programmes. These activities have been specifically designed to entertain and reach out to the people of Abu Dhabi, helping everyone to understand, embrace and be proud of hosting the final round of the 2009 FIA Formula 1™ World Championship. Our hope is that the children involved today will be the fans of the future, we strongly believe that there’s no sport without fans.”

Yasalam’s dynamic line-up of entertainment and events will spread from the Corniche and beach right across the city, including schools, universities, shopping malls, hotels, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Yas Island itself. The programme will see Abu Dhabi come alive with outreach programmes in schools, universities and public locations, live events, exhibitions and entertainment on Abu Dhabi Corniche.

John Lickrish, Flash Entertainment’s managing director, adds: “Flash is incredibly excited to be launching this ground-breaking programme of events and entertainment. Yasalam has been designed to appeal to all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, so whether you’re a motorsport fan or not, there will be lots of exciting things happening in Abu Dhabi throughout October.”

For the full programme of Yasalam events and activities, visit www.yasalam.ae

(Ends.) Pictures attached taken today of the children and their F1™ creations at ABC Private School in Abu Dhabi.

All media enquiries should be directed to Ian Hainey at KHP Consulting on +971 50 4661368, ian@khpconsulting.com. More media information on Yasalam and The Art of Racing can be found on www.flashmediacentre.com

The Art of Racing: starting 2nd October
In a fusion of art and motorsport, some of the country’s finest artists trade in their canvas for a chassis of a Formula 1™ racing car.

Wasel Safwan, Marina Mall Abu Dhabi
Friday 2nd - Sunday 5th October, 16:00 – 20:00
Displayed until: Monday 2nd November

Mizmah, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi
Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd October, 09:00 – 17.00
Sunday 4th to Monday 6th October, 17:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 7th October, 09:00 – 15:30

Dana Saif Al Mazrouei, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Saturday 10th October, 10:00 (unveiling only)
Displayed until: Monday 2nd November

Jalal Luqman, F1 Fan Zone™, Abu Dhabi Corniche
Friday 16th October- Sunday 18th October 16:00 – 00.00
Displayed until: Monday 2nd November

Khalid Mezaina, Abu Dhabi International Airport
 

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