On yer bike, Mike!

"Shell Aviation held a Global Aviation meeting in Hamburg in March," reports Mike Lumley, Shell Aviation's Regional Manager for the Middle East, "and whilst obviously the purpose of the meeting was to review past achievements and discuss business plans for the future, the meeting also raised the issue of the health of Shell Aviation's Cluster General Managers.

"On arrival at the meeting we all had to have our blood pressure and cholesterol levels taken, along with various other routine tests, all of which were carried out in an atmosphere of some secrecy. Later on, as a form of light relief after the business of the day, we had aerobics training from a lady Royal Airforce instructress, after which we were given the results of our level of fitness. The aim of this exercise was to demonstrate the need to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to underline the benefits of staying in shape.

"After the session we reflected that it would be a good idea for us to continue with our fitness campaign and that in so doing we could also do some good for others. So the concept was formed for us all to hold a triathlon of running, cycling and swimming to take place at the next Global Aviation meeting in the UK in September. Here the 12 Regional Aviation Managers will get together to complete a 26-mile course made up of the three disciplines. We will not be competing against each other, just trying to stay the course and finish alive!" he adds.

"Each one of us will be sponsored by individuals both within and outside Shell. We are also seeking ways of obtaining sponsorship from the business community, so I am busy looking for corporate sponsors.

"The charity which will benefit from this effort is the SOS Children's Villages charity, which provides shelter, food and education for orphaned children in underdeveloped areas throughout the world. There are six specific projects for which we are hoping to provide funding, and these are in India, Cambodia, Malawi, Morocco, Romania and Russia.

"By doing this we are trying to have a bit of fun, stay fit and make a contribution to society - all part of the Shell Group's commitment to Sustainable Development," concludes Mike.

If you would like to back Mike Lumley in support of SOS Children's Villages charity, or simply want to find out more, e-mail Mike Lumley at m.lumley@shelldub.simis.com

Fatter numbers, please, for the fitness programme

"Shell Dubai instigated a fitness programme for all staff to help them keep fit and manage the day-to-day stresses of business life," says Philip Varkey, Shell Dubai's Head of Administration and Deputy HR Manager. "The programme is organised twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays and is held at the Nautilus Fitness Centre at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, just down the road from City Tower 2.

"The trainer's name is Martin and he gives all interested parties a thorough work-out for one hour from 4.15pm. The programme is now in its third month and attendance has not been good, with only 10 to 15 people going along on a regular basis.

"However, I am pleased to say that I have been one of those regular attendees and for me I have definitely felt some benefits in my health. The programme has established a monthly award for the person whose level of fitness improve most during the month. Sebastian, from Finance, was the winner of the award for the first month and I won the award for the second month.

"So, I would like to encourage other Shell staff, both men and women, to come along and join us to realise the benefits of being fit and healthy for themselves," Philip concludes.

Shell Helix gets behind Sharjah Cup 2002

Shell Markets (Middle East) LTD has traditionally been a regular supporter of cricket in the UAE, backing the 'Fastest Fifty', 'Best Bowler' and 'Best Fielder' awards, and this year Shell added the Sharjah Cup to its cricketing credentials.

Three teams battled it out for the Cup in April at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and this year the clash of the Titans was between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

During the event Shell also sponsored a corporate hospitality box where around 60 key customers and contacts were invited to view an amazing offering of cricket - and where the Shell Helix logo was very much in evidence.

The tournament attracted big crowds, especially on the final day, the 17th, which saw the 24,000 capacity stadium packed full. The final match, between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was won by Pakistan in a resounding victory.

At the prize-giving ceremony after the match, the Shell Helix 'Best Batsman' trophy was awarded to Pakistani opener Imran Nazir by Farooq Rahmatullah, Managing Director of Shell Pakistan Limited.

The Shell Helix trophy for 'Best Bowler' was presented to the Sri Lankan spin master Muttiah Muralitharan by Mazhar-ud-Deen, Marketing Manager, Shell Markets (M. E.) Ltd, whilst Natarajan, Industrial Sales Manager, SMME, presented the Shell Helix 'Best Fielder' trophy to the Pakistani wicket-keeper Rashid Latif.

Life in the fast lane

As one of Shell Dubai's Social Committee initiatives towards improving work/life balance, a company-wide bowling event was organised in May, the chosen venue for which was Thunderbowl in Dubai. All 20 lanes were booked exclusively for Shell for the evening, and the response was tremendous with over 80 enthusiasts turning up to show off their skills in the bowling lanes.

Participants were organised into 20 teams, and players sported red Shell T-shirts. The teams were made up of people from various departments with a view to bringing staff together, who otherwise may not have the opportunity to mingle socially - and the team spirit prevailed. Trophies were awarded at the end of the evening for the highest and lowest scores for teams and individuals, and feedback on the evening was good, with requests to host repeat events.

Practice makes perfect

At the crack of dawn on a misty Thursday morning in mid-May, Shell Aviation's Dubai-based team joined with enthusiastic golfers from the Emirates Group Golfing Society to host the annual Shell-sponsored 'Captain's Day' at the Nad-Al-Sheba Club.

As Shell Aviation's Regional General Manager, Mike Lumley, explained, "We have been sponsoring an annual golf day for Emirates flying staff for a number of years now. It is a great opportunity for our team to spend some time with the Emirates staff on an informal basis and have some fun away from the daily work routine. The golf is fairly light-hearted and revolves around a Team stableford format which gives some assistance to the higher handicap golfers. After 18 holes of golf, the players and their partners got together again in the evening for a progressive dinner, touring many of the dining locations at the Dubai Country Club."

Mike went on to say, "This event is extremely popular with the Emirates Group. It also helps that the Shell golfers consistently come off second best against the Emirates pilots - which I guess is indicative of the fact that the Emirates guys get more time to practise."