Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai - Family & Business trip hotel - J9 Legends

Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre partners initiative to raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in Dubai.

Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre is proud to be the official hotel partner hosting the J9 Legends at Dubai’s biggest rugby event– The Emirates Rugby 7’s 2015 and to help raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND) together with the J9 Foundation.

The J9 foundation was formed by South African Rugby great, Joost van der Westhuizen, in aid of those suffering from Motor Neuron Disease after he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a form of MND in early 2011. Through the J9 Foundation, Van der Westhuizen actively campaigns globally to raise awareness of this currently incurable disease. The J9 World Legends is comprised of top international Rugby legends, including the best 7’s player in the world, Waisale Serevi, and fellow South Africans, Thinus Delport, Conrad Jantjes, Egon Seconds. Along with 11 top rugby internationals they gather as a team to support their patron, Joost van der Westhuizen, one of the world’s greatest scrum-halves every year at the
Dubai – Rugby 7’s. As well as sponsoring the legendary team’s accommodation, meals and transportation, Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre hosted a stylish poolside dinner where the rugby-loving public enjoyed an evening with their favourite rugby heroes. A highlight of the evening was a live interactive session with Joost van der Westhuizen who was unfortunately unable to attend the event due to his ailing health condition. The event was a great success as it raised better awareness of Motor Neuron Disease in Dubai. The primary aims of the J9 Foundations are to:

1. Educate the general public about Motor Neuron Disease and its devastating effects on both the patient and their families.
2. Educate and raise awareness amongst medical practitioners and nursing staff to enable them to make earlier and correct diagnoses and provide better emotional and physical care on initial diagnoses of a patient

Visit http://www.joost.co.za/ for more about the J9 Foundation.
This year the J9 World Legends proudly won The International Vets title after carrying a 2 year runner-up tag. This victory fulfils a promise the World Greatest Rugby 7s Legend, Waisale Serevi, made to Joost; “The side has been here for three years, and, having lost in the final twice, I am so happy. I have met Joost’s wish, to win this tournament for him.”
In addition to being the official sponsor of the champions, J9 World Legends, Novotel Dubai World Trade Centre is proud to pledge support for the fight against Motor Neuron Disease. “We are ending the year associated with such a worthy cause and are extremely grateful to play our part in aiding to raise awareness of this disease” said Frederic Gitzner Cluster General Manager.