RIYADH – The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) was honored for its strategic sponsorship of the "National Olympics for Scientific Creativity," organized by King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity and the Ministry of Education, in Riyadh under the patronage of Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh. During the recent event, a strategic sponsorship agreement for the Olympics was announced and signed by Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, and Khalid Al-Sebti, Deputy Minister of Education and Secretary General of the Foundation. Commenting on SABIC's sponsorship of the Olympics, Al-Mady said "the sponsorship is in response to the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Foundation, to build an environment of creativity among the community in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to harness the talents of citizens in various fields in the service of the nation." Al-Mady added: "SABIC's Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is committed to support the community and their advancement. The company's sponsorship of the Olympics is intended to develop interest among students in science education, and to provide a competitive environment for the nation's talented people. We hope to stimulate their creative spirits, identify talent and scientific capabilities, and enable them to be more competitive at international events with their creative ideas and innovations." In an address at the closing ceremony, Dr. Fahad Al-Sherehy, General Manager, SABIC Technology Center, Riyadh, spoke on the efforts undertaken by SABIC to support talented youth. He detailed the company's programs for educational sponsorships of students for pursuing their studies in many countries around the world. The program is designed to prepare the youth for leadership roles. Al-Sherehy received an honorary plaque on behalf of the company. About 400 projects from all over the Kingdom are expected to be shortlisted for the Olympics finals. The winners will be nominated to represent the Kingdom at various international scientific competitions. Ever since it was initiated in 2011, the Olympics has documented the scientific ideas of 113,000 students. — SG
