Qatar Airways Sponsors The Boys And Girls Club At The Washington International Horse Show

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Doha-based Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it will be sponsoring the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington (BGCGW) at the 55^th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). The airline, a patron of the WIHS, provided young members of the Boys and Girls Club with a behind the scenes tour of Barn Night, the show's signature youth event, and a chance to meet the riders.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131025/NY04443 )

Barn Night, Thursday, October 24, featured the WIHS Shetland Pony International Steeplechase—the first time Shetland ponies raced over jumps indoors in the U.S—and the Halloween-themed Gambler's Choice Costume class, during which top riders and their horses tackled a course of jumps dressed in creative outfits. The event also hosted a scavenger hunt and contests for Largest Group, Best Banner, Best Spirit, and Best Video for young riders at local barns.

Qatar Airways, which commenced service to Dulles International Airport in 2007, has previously hosted BGCGW kids on a tour of a Boeing 777, as part of a STEM outreach program.

"At Qatar Airways, our goal has always been to connect with the communities we serve, both in the air and on the ground. In that spirit, we are pleased to continue our relationship with the Boys and Girls Club by giving these young men and women the chance to experience the Washington International Horse Show," said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker.

While the goal of the 777 event was to inspire interest in science, technology engineering, and math, especially in the field of aviation, the WIHS is a chance to introduce the kids to a cultural experience they might not have previously experienced. The nation of Qatar, which is a major stakeholder in the airline, has a long tradition of breeding champion horses and encourages education about equestrian sports throughout the world.

"It's important that our kids are exposed to cultural experiences outside of their comfort zones. Attending the Washington International Horse Show is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity our kids will benefit from greatly. Additionally, we are grateful to be able to work with Qatar Airlines for the second time and applaud their commitment to helping our youth have great futures," shares Pandit Wright, BGCGW CEO & President.  

Qatar Airways is one of the world's fastest growing airlines, currently flying a modern fleet of 127 aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations worldwide. Along with their growth they have put an emphasis on outreach with charitable organizations, especially children's charities.  Along with their work with the Boys and Girls Club, the airline is a major sponsor of Educate a Child, an initiative begun by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, which aims to significantly reduce the number of children worldwide who are missing out on their right to education.

About Qatar
Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. At the recent Skytrax World Airline awards at the 2013 Paris Air Show, the airline was awarded Best Business Class in the World, Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, and Best Business Class Lounge in the World. In October 2012, Qatar Airways became the first of the major Gulf carriers to officially announce plans to join a global alliance having been invited into the oneworld group. For more information, or to make reservations, visit www.qatarairways.com or call 1.877.777.2827

About the Washington International Horse Show
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts more than 20,000 spectators to the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for nearly half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) and Kids' Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information visit wihs.org

For further information contact:

Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 44302072, Fax: +974 44302069
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.qatarairways.com

SOURCE Qatar Airways