RIO DE JANEIRO, 3 December 2004 — Overcoming obstacles and strong will is the motto of the Arab selection participating in Red Bull Giants of Rio that will takeplace here on (Sunday) on Dec. 5, where over 80 teams from 30 nations will be in the fray.

Four following Arab athletes entering this tough competition are Ibrahim Khalloufa of Saudi Arabia, Mansoor Abou El-Hol of the UAE, Maxime Chaaya of Lebanon and Lahcen Ahansal of Morocco. Given the lack of Arab athletes specializing in speed hang gliding, Laurent Tevenoux of France is joining the Arab team in order to participate in this category.

Khalofeh, 23, participated in various running competitions since his school years, joined the Triathlon Saudi National Team and took part in several local and international competitions, such as Abu Dhabi International Military Triathlon in 2002 and British International Triathlon in 2003. “I like long distances, but the Gulf climate was not suitable for this kind of sports given the high temperature and humidity. Aside from training for Red Bull Giants of Rio, I’m also exercising to participate in the 260 km Sand Marathon in Morocco, which will last for seven days,” he said.

About training for Red Bull Giants of Rio, Khalofeh added: “Since the day I was selected for this great competition, I followed an intensive training schedule. I am going there in order to achieve good results and not only to participate and be present along with the best athletes in the world.”

Chaaya, 43, the team-member who will be participating in the mountain biking category, has a rich history in sports. After being famous in the world of sports, one of Chaaya’s greatest achievements was planting the Lebanese flag at 8,201 meter on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In Red bull Giants of Rio, he expects to stay in line with his track record of sports achievements. He thanked Red Bull for giving him the opportunity of participating in this great international event, and hoped that he will be able to achieve good results despite the difficulty of the competition and the presence of the world’s best athletes, namely from France and Italy.

Chaaya followed a special program in Lebanon in order to exercise for Red Bull Giants of Rio. He will be the last one to join his teammates in Brazil since he will try to cross 148 km on the Lebanese territory. “I love sports and nature. I always try to make up for the time I lost,” he said. Chaaya crossed the North Pole in April 2004. He also became Knight of the National Order of the Cedar by presidential decree.

Ahansal is participating in the sand run category. Moroccan runners are famous in this field and are known for their international achievements in medium and long competitions. Ahansal achieved excellent results in France and Switzerland, where he won several international competitions such as the Super Marathon of France, the Ultra Marathon of Austria, the Marathon Challenge of the Val de Travers in Switzerland, and the Alpine Switzerland Marathon.

The toughest competition will undoubtedly be the speed hang gliding with its launch site located on the top of the Pedra da Gavea (696 m above sea level). It will also include circling around the Jesus statue; the landing zone will be on the beach of Ipanema. Finally, the concluding sand run competition means 15 km of undiluted torture on the elowine-hot beaches of Ioanema and Covacabana.

The extreme relay event can be watched live at http://www.redbullgiantsofrio.com. The Webcast starts on Sunday at 2 pm (Rio local time).