Etihad fliers urged to donate air miles to Special Olympics athletes

Etihad Airways frequent flyers have been urged to donate their air miles to support athletes taking part in the Special Olympics in the UAE next month. The airline said members could donate their miles to help pay for athlete accommodation, food and transport. The company also said that for every new flyer signing up to its Etihad guest member scheme on Sunday, it would donate 500 air miles to the Games. The cost to fund a single athlete’s participation in the event is understood to be in the region of Dh25,000. "Many of our guests have expressed a keen interest in having the opportunity to make a difference," said Yasser Al Yousuf , vice president for commercial partnerships at Etihad. "This donation programme will allow them to do just that, and we thank them for their generosity. “We have a responsibility to support those of determination in realising their dreams and their true potential and we are continuously exploring new ways in which to play a more impactful role.” The Special Olympics is set to begin in Abu Dhabi on March 14 and is the first time the event has been staged in the Middle East and North Africa region. The Games will likely be the largest event held in Abu Dhabi to date, bringing together more than 7,500 athletes from more than 190 nations. Some 3,000 athletic coaches and thousands of family members are also expected to attend.

Etihad fliers urged to donate air miles to Special Olympics athletes

Donations will be put towards cost of accommodation, transport and food