03 Feb 2010 | Ref. 012
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Guy Griffiths, Director International, BAE Systems on board Masirah
with the crew at the launch of BAE Systems' partnership with Oman Sail at the Extreme 40s Asia series event in Muscat
A major partnership between Oman Sail and BAE Systems was announced today during the final leg of the Extreme 40s Asia series in Muscat, Oman.
With the support and guidance of the Ministry of Tourism, Oman Sail was set up in 2008 to rekindle Oman's maritime heritage and to inspire a new generation of young Omanis to take up sailing as recreation and as a competitive sport. This will help to restore Oman's maritime eminence through competing at international level as well as supporting the development of events to support professional sailing in Arabian Peninsula.
BAE Systems has a long and well-established relationship with Oman, a trusted partnership which dates back over 30 years, and is a major provider of defence equipment to the country. The partnership with Oman Sail is an important initiative for BAE Systems and is a demonstration of its commitment to this key market.
BAE System's partnership allows the company to have its branding on Masirah, the Extreme 40 boat currently at the top of the Extreme 40s Asia series leader board, and encompasses a wide range of activities, including sponsorship the development of the Oman Sailing School with apprenticeship programmes and sponsorship of a schools and education programme consisting of "Try Sailing" days for schools and young Omanis.
Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Guy Griffiths, Director International, commented: "We are delighted to be working with Oman Sail on this exciting initiative, particularly in a country as important to us as Oman.
"At BAE Systems, we are committed to education and skills development throughout our global business, and to support young people in developing their leadership skills. Through the Sailing School, Oman Sail's aim is to make sailing accessible to the young people of Oman and this, in turn, allows them to develop the skills and experiences they need to create a sustainable sailing future for the country.
"I would also like to wish the crew of Masirah the best of luck this week in their bid to become the champions of the Asian Series".
David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, added: "We are delighted to have BAE Systems as an official partner and thank them for their support. Their confidence in Oman Sail is extremely important to us and we look forward to having a rewarding partnership with them".
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Louise Robson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1252 384725 Mob: + 44 (0)7525 390707
Louise.robson@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
