Manny Pacquiao: Come and meet me in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has taken to his Instagram account in two separate videos to urge fans to come and meet him at Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday.

The Filipino icon, the first and only eight weight-division world champion, will be at the home of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 4pm to support Rahma, a new charitable cancer service in Abu Dhabi.

He will be signing autographs from 5pm at the venue ahead of RahmaYAS, a charity walk and cycle, which starts at 6pm.

But Pacquiao devotees have also been given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to win an exclusive meet-and-greet with him if they leave a comment below his video on the Yas Marina Circuit Instagram account @ymofficial using the hashtag #WalkWithManny.

The competition is due to close at 9am on Saturday.

In one video on his Instagram account, Pacquiao, sitting in the back of a car, says: “Hello everyone. Join me on November 7 for RahmaYAS at Yas Marina Circuit in support of those diagnosed with cancer. Thank you.”

The boxer arrived at Dubai Airport on Monday night ahead of this weekend’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games at Al Wasl Club, where he was due to play for his club side Mahindra Enforcers.

The 36-year-old has also been mobbed by fans during appearances at Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates.

Pacquiao is expected to speak to Dubai sports officials over plans to stage his next bout in the emirate, possibly a world welterweight rematch with the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Junior, who overcame him on points in May and has since retired.

Saturday’s event at Yas will raise awareness of Rahma, a charitable service launched by the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to provide practical and psychological support for people diagnosed with cancer.

The ‘Champion of the People’, as he is commonly known, is closely connected to Rahma, the Arabic word for mercy, as its patron.

Pacquiao will also present Rahma staff with a generous $50,000 (Dh183,647) donation.

Thousands of participants will get the chance to walk or run three kilometres and cycle two laps of the F1 circuit in a non-competitive environment.

The event aims to raise awareness of the new charity, to attract volunteers and to raise as much as Dh200,000 through entrance fees and additional donations.

“Having Manny’s support for Rahma is something we’re very proud of,” said Dr Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, chairman of the board of directors of Cancer Patient Care Society.

“If one man demonstrates the passion and determination to succeed, it is him. I know that his presence at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend will inspire the community, as well as raise awareness for our charity.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We’re thrilled that Manny Pacquiao will be at Yas Marina Circuit to support RahmaYAS on Saturday.

“Participation will be high for this event as Manny joins everybody for the walk and cycle, and supports Rahma as they begin their crucial role in assisting people living with cancer.”

Entrance to RahmaYAS costs Dh50, with all proceeds going directly to Rahma, which is a voluntary organisation.

Entrants will be given a purple or white T-shirt to run and cycle in.

They will also have access to an entertainment village, with live music and healthy food and beverage choices, making the event fun for all members of the family, organisers say.

RahmaYAS is the latest leading event to be held at Yas Marina Circuit, apart from the Abu Dhabi GP, joining the Zayed Marathon, The Color Run and The Walk.