Daimler handed over an 8-seater Mercedes-Benz Viano to Oman Olympic Committee in line with its solidarity program. It has given more than 100 Mercedes-Benz minibuses to National Olympic Committees since 1996.

The vehicle was jointly presented by Craig Hardie, CEO Automotive at Zawawi Trading and Dr Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The contribution is the expression of a solid partnership for 19 years between the IOC and Daimler which is represented in around 200 countries, said a Daimler statement.

In Oman, Daimler activities are represented by Zawawi Trading Company, consistently supporting projects which represent the brand values of the company such as respect, passion, integrity and discipline.

As a company operating worldwide, Daimler has much in common with the IOC.  Both partners stand for a fair and open competition, friendship, intercultural dialogue and a willingness to perform. Just like the Olympic movement, Daimler also supports team spirit, discipline and enthusiasm to achieve.

In handing over the Mercedes-Benz Viano, Craig Hardie said, 'With this partnership, not only are we showing that we promote sports, but also that we are a company that endorses responsibly. This partnership is not only limited to sports; it also shows our joint efforts in social and cultural areas.'

'With our Mercedes-Benz vans, we are honored to be able to make a practical contribution, in which we provide for mobility and bring young people together,' he added.

Accordingto Hardie, the 8-seater Mercedes-Benz Viano will secure the transport of young Omani athletes between the training locations within the country as well as to competitions.

The IOC is also convinced of the co-operation with Daimler. “We are very pleased with this long and proven cooperation. It’s more than sponsoring. For the IOC, it is really a strategic partnership, a close association,” IOC president Dr Jacques Rogge explained.

The main emphasis of the long-term cooperation is the planning and development of joint projects as well as supporting social and humanitarian interests on all five continents.

Especially in Africa and Asia, Daimler AG supports the construction of sports and training centers for children and young people.

Since 1998, so called “OlympAfrica Centers” have arisen in many African countries. In the meantime, these exemplary projects have been expanded to include “OlympAsia” and “OlympOceania”.-TradeArabia News Service