More than BD35,000 ($92,289) has already been raised for disadvantaged children in the run-up to one of Bahrain's biggest charity events this weekend.

The 39th annual Raft Race, organised by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya, will see 32 teams compete against each other at the Al Bandar Hotel and Resort tomorrow (April 24), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The club's Raft Race committee head Viren Bhatia confirmed the charity total, raised through sponsorship and Rotary events.

“This year, the funds raised will go towards helping the disabled of Bahrain. The motto for this year's race is 'Disabilities, We Care'.

“It took a lot of work to get this all together but with just days to go it all looks like everything will go smoothly. This year we have raised more BD25,000 from sponsors and a total of about BD35,000 overall, so far.”

The club yesterday held a thank you dinner for the event's sponsors at Al Bandar Hotel and Resort.

Certificates were handed out and a talk was also held about the history of the race and the people it has positively affected.

Bhatia told the GDN that preparations for the race took a team of 15 club members five months of planning.

“It is going to be fun - we have DJs, music, events, trophies, great food, and entertainment for the kids,” he said.

“The first race will start at 9am and we are hoping to finish off all the races by around 4.30pm - but of course everyone is welcome to stay there and enjoy the ambience.”

Teams will comprise 10 participants on the day, with eight on the raft and two in reserve.

Each race is between four teams and each team will be able to race at least two times until it emerges victorious.

Rafts are provided by the club, which participating teams have been able to use for practice and training.

The race is the club's main annual fundraiser and since its inception in the late 1970s, the event has donated more than BD2 million to a number of charities.

Tickets to the event will be available at the door of Al Bandar Hotel and Resort tomorrow for BD1. - TradeArabia News Service