The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIFA Club World Cup – UAE 2009 and the Takatof Social Volunteer Programme last night hosted a recognition event for Takatof volunteers who contributed to the organization of the recent tournament in Abu Dhabi.

All 600 volunteers who participated in the tournament were honoured for their efforts, with 15 of them receiving special recognition through a peer vote for going above and beyond the call of duty displaying key values such as loyalty, motivation, teamwork, passion, responsibility, accountability, and quick thinking. Volunteers were also assessed on leadership skills, communication skills, knowledge and understanding of the UAE’s heritage and history, and overall approach to engaging with visitors.

HE Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, President of the UAE Football Association said: “The Volunteer Programme was a crucial component in ensuring we delivered a successful tournament and an enjoyable experience for all who attended. In addition, it was an important part of the legacy that the FIFA Club World Cup will leave behind for UAE nationals in terms of skills development and knowledge transfer.”

“It is a real pleasure to meet all of you again to celebrate the great success of our volunteers” said Maytha Al Habsi, Takatof Director. “Continuously our volunteers are proving their commitment, responsibility and passion towards helping their nation and their community.”

Ms Al Habsi mentioned that Takatof volunteers added specific important value to the tournament. “They received guests at the airport, welcomed the audience and helped them at stadiums. They have also handled many supporting roles.”

She added: “These opportunities help Emirati young people to discover the best in themselves and build their capacities to prepare them to be future leaders. Such responsible public work is a learning process for them and offers excellent experience that will result in the improving the UAE’s reputation.” The awards were presented by Mubadala Development Company, the official National Supporter of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 and sponsors of the tournament volunteer programme.

The most outstanding volunteers , Muhamed Abdullah Al Muhairi and Jassim Al Amri who received the best score from their peers, were presented with the Mubadala Leadership Award and offered a two-month internship with Mubadala, or, a leadership training course with Mubadala’s strategic partner GE – both designed to develop the UAE’s future leaders. The course will take place at the Abu Dhabi Leadership Centre, which was created for Mubadala and GE employees.

“As a company, we are committed to recognizing and developing talent in Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” said Sultan Al Darmaki, Senior Officer at Mubadala responsible for the football sponsorships, in a speech delivered on behalf of HE Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, CEO and Managing Director, Mubadala. “Volunteering is a great personal achievement, and it takes unique character, dedication and passion to devote your time and efforts to a worthy cause.” He added, “These volunteers are excellent role models for youth across the nation, and ideal candidates for our business. Signing up as a volunteer during the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 and pushing yourself to excel shows qualities we look for in Mubadala employees.”

Among the many roles the volunteers handled were VIP transportation arrangements, audience transportation, and manning information desk. They also contributed to the accreditation center, media center and the Fan zone.

The ceremony, which took place at Al Raha Beach Hotel, was attended by HE Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE Football League and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of FIFA; HE Mohammad Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and a member of the LOC, Maytha Al Habsi, Director of Takatof and Thomas Gurtner, Tournament Director.