Dubai newcomer wins a Million Skywards Miles at Dubai World Cup

Dubai newcomer Melvyn Ford received a special welcome to the Emirate at this year’s Dubai World Cup, winning one million Skywards Miles in its annual “Thanks a Million” draw.

Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan Airlines, raised Dh300,000 (US$82,000) in the draw in aid of Riding for the Disabled Association in Dubai (RDAD).

Flying in from Hong Kong just two weeks ago to set up a branch of a Hong Kong based construction company, Mr Ford and his fiancee Ilaria enjoyed their first taste of Dubai’s social scene at the world’s richest horse race on 27th March 2004.

Mr Ford said he usually buys tickets when the draw is for charity, but he never expected to win. “It was a bit of a shock but an extremely pleasant surprise when I heard I had won the million Skywards Miles, the first time I’ve won something so valuable in my life!,” he said. “I’ll now be able to see my family more regularly and also explore places I’ve never been but always wanted to, like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.”

Not only can Mr Ford fly home to see his family in the UK, he can use his Skywards Miles to fly his family out for holidays in Dubai and points further on Emirates, SriLankan or on any of the seven partner airlines in the programme.

Now in its fourth year, the “Thanks a Million” draw brought more benefits than ever before because the number of Skywards Miles required for free flights to many popular destinations has been reduced.

The winners of the two runners-up prizes of 250,000 Miles - Dubai-based Skywards member R.R. Crump, and M Mullios - can exchange their Miles for the equivalent of six return tickets to Europe.

RDAD teaches therapeutic horse riding to children and young adults with disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy. The funds raised by the draw go to RDAD’s campaign to build an indoor arena to enable the young riders to continue their therapy during the hot summer months. Construction is expected to start later this year.

The movement of the horse’s body exercises the young riders’ muscles, helping to strengthen them. In addition to having fun, they learn balance and co-ordination while gaining self-confidence.

Congratulating Mr Ford on behalf of Skywards, Brian LaBelle, Skywards’ Vice President said: “This is a tremendous response to our fund-raising draw in aid of young disabled riders. Skywards is all about benefits for our loyal Emirates and SriLankan customers and we are delighted that the young riders will also benefit from the generosity of racegoers here at Dubai World Cup.”

Skywards has doubled bonus Miles, giving members even more benefits when travelling. Members travelling Business class on Emirates and SriLankan Airlines will receive a bonus of 50 per cent of total miles flown, up from 25 per cent; those in First class will receive a bonus of 100 per cent (previously 50 per cent) of total miles flown.