Football Star Messi and Ooredoo to Launch Youth Initiative in Qatar

Doha, May 14 (QNA) - Argentina and Barcelona star as well as Ooredoo's global brand ambassador Lionel Messi will Tuesday (May 20) launch a a new global initiative for care and development of children from the Middle East, North Africa during his visit to Qatar. Ooredoo, till recently known as Q-Tel Group, is working with Messi and the Messi Foundation on a number of key projects to make a difference across Ooredoo's markets. Commenting on his visit to Qatar, Messi said, "I'm looking forward to coming to Qatar and partnering with Ooredoo on initiatives to enhance opportunities for youth from around the world. Whether on the football pitch or off it, I'm always glad to make a difference in the community, and bring smiles to children's faces." The football star will make a major announcement at a special ceremony with Ooredoo and will also take part in a range of activities in Qatar to promote sport and connect with the community. As part of Ooredoo's and Messi's shared commitment to giving life chances to young people, Messi will host a special football coaching session in Doha, with children from across Ooredoo's global footprint taking part. The children's delegation will include those from Qatar, as well as young people from Palestine, Indonesia, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait and the Maldives all countries in which Ooredoo companies play an active role in promoting life chances for youth. The Ooredoo group had announced the appointment of Lionel Messi as ambassador of its new brand in Barcelona last February. The telecom operator and Messi Foundation plan to launch a number of initiatives to support social development in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, taking advantage of mobile technologies. Ooredoo is Qatar-based global telecommunications company that provides services in the Middle East, North Africa and South East Asia. The consolidated base for its customers in the world more than 92.0 million customers. The Messi Foundation was established in 2007 by the global football star. The foundation seeks to ensure that children around the world enjoy equal opportunities so as to achieve their dreams. (QNA)