GET INTO THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE ABU DHABI ‘SWING’ AND WIN MEGA PRIZES
14 - December 2011
Abu Dhabi, UAE. 14 December 2011: Visitors to Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race ‘Destination Village’ this New Year can get into the swing of the celebrations and scoop mega holiday prizes at a specially-designed ‘hole-in-one’ challenge.
Run by the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship - the European Tour season opening event taking place in the UAE capital from 26-29th January 2012 – the challenge will give would-be golfers a chance to show off their short game skills with a testing chip onto a floating green 60 feet away.
Those who make the ‘ace’ shot during the fortnight-long hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race, which runs from 31st December 2011 – 14th January 2012 at the Corniche breakwater village, will go into a weekly draw to win a holiday of a life-time to join the race fleet in either Sanya, China or Galway, Ireland – which will welcome the ‘Everest of Sailing’ in February and July 2012 respectively.
Up for grabs are two grand prizes, which include two economy return tickets to either stopover on Etihad Airways, the UAE’s award-winning national airline; four nights luxury bed and breakfast accommodation; limousine airport transfers as well as on and off water hospitality to enjoy all the Volvo Ocean Race action.
In addition, everyone taking part will get a free season ticket to enjoy the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which boasts a stellar field including three current Major winners as well as four current and previous world number ones, including UAE capital debutant Tiger Woods. There are also extra chances to win cool championship clothing and signed merchandise from many world-class golfers.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship ‘hole-in-one-challenge’ is just one of many free activities, events, shows and attractions being staged at the stopover by organiser Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
The purpose-built ‘Destination Village,’ on the capital’s Corniche breakwater is the size of eight football pitches and free to the public, will be packed with activities and entertainment including exhibitions, shows, simulators, hospitality, game zones, restaurants, cafes and shops.
In addition to daily, free on-shore activities, a full sailing and watersports programme will run throughout the fortnight for kids and adults. Volvo Ocean Race will also run classrooms and practical workshops to teach sailing to all ages, whilst a number of local racing regattas will be held for sailing aficionados and newcomers.
Also the six competing Volvo Ocean Race teams, including the UAE’s own Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, will also compete in front of packed crowds in a pro-am and for points in an in-port race, before heading off on the 4,500 mile third race leg to Sanya, China on the 14th January 2012.
The historic hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet kicks off this New Year’s Eve with multi-award winning rock band Coldplay taking to a specially-designed concert arena adjacent to the Destination Village. Tickets for the show can be purchased now at www.thinkflash.ae
For more information on the Abu Dhabi stopover, please visit www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com
Also, stay up-to-date with all Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing news, exclusive competitions and content via
Ends
About ADTA: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has wide ranging responsibilities for managing and assisting the development of the emirate's tourism industry and the marketing and promotion of the emirate as a world-class destination of distinction. Its responsibilities include; destination marketing; infrastructure and product development and regulation and classification. A key role is to create synergy in the international promotion of Abu Dhabi through close co-ordination with the emirate's hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel-related organisations.
For more information please contact:
Sam Dulka
Senior Marketing Communication Executive, ADTA
Telephone: +971 50 5507053
Email: sdulka@adta.ae
About the Volvo Ocean Race: The Volvo Ocean Race traces its origins back to 1973 and is the world ’s premier offshore sailing race. The Volvo Open 70 racing boat is sailed by professional athletes, who race around the world with the prevailing winds.
For media information on the Volvo Ocean Race, please visit http://press.volvooceanrace.org
Editors ’ Notes: The Volvo Ocean Race
- The next Volvo Ocean Race will start in the Spanish port of Alicante October 29 of 2011 and finish in Galway, Ireland during the summer of 2012
- The first 31,250 nautical-mile race first took place over 37 years ago (as the Whitbread Round the World Race 1973-74), testing the crews against some of the most ferocious elements that man can encounter
- The 2011-12 race will be the 11th edition of the event
- This will be the first time the Middle East has formed part of the route for the Volvo Ocean Race
- Lying on the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi has a rich maritime tradition as a trading port. Throughout its history, the iconic dhow has plied the trade routes between the city and its neighbouring countries