Business & Money | Monday 11 November, 2019 1:07 pm |

Visa (NYSE:V) announced that Saudi Sprinter Abdullah Akbar-Mohammed have been signed on to their global Team Visa program for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

 

Team Visa athletes are selected on the basis of their expected demonstration of strong competitive performance at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, regardless of nationality and background. They are also selected based on their personal journey, competitive achievements and community involvement. In talent as well as character, its members represent Visa’s values of acceptance, partnership and inclusion.

Abdullah is representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the 100 meters sprint. Previously he represented Saudi Arabia in the 60 meters at the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships, reaching the semifinals. His 10.04 personal best set at the Mt. SAC Relays on April 16, 2016 is the Asian Junior record.

Commenting on becoming part of Team Visa, Abdullah said, “I’m happy to be part of the team. Visa is an important company which helps you and pushes you to be better. To have that kind of support is a great feeling. I can’t express how happy I am. Right now I am training hard and am focused on my target at the Olympics. Representing your country is a big responsibility and I’m working hard to make my fellow Saudis proud.”

Ali Bailoun, General Manager of Saudi Arabia, Visa, said: “As a competitive athlete and a trailblazer, Abdullah embodies the characteristics not only of Visa and our Team Visa athletes across the world but he is also a great representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is especially at a time when it is undergoing a transformational shift to realize the ambitions of Vision 2030. We’re excited to welcome him onto Team Visa and look forward to supporting him on his journey to the Olympics.” 

 

Visa has been a global Olympic partner for more than 30 years and the first and longest-standing global Paralympic partner (since 2003).  Since 2000, Team Visa has given aspiring athletes the support they need to pursue their goals, both on and off the field of competition, regardless of origin or background. Visa provides tools and resources - including funding support and financial literacy training - through its Team Visa program. Since the programme began in 2000, Team Visa has supported over 400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls from around the world.