Formula1, a lost chance in uniting Bahrain ?

As you might have already heard, there is talk that the 2011 Formula1 (F1) race might be canceled in Bahrain.

The reason for this news is that some F1 teams have decided to boycott the race.

The news came as a shock to me. According to Carlos Garcia,

the FIA vice-president statement on Bahrain:

"I can only speak about what I saw and that was complete quietness“

"I had official visits and interviews, but I also walked down the street and I was in shopping centres, always

with a feeling of complete normality. There were people shopping or working. Nothing that

caught my attention."

"What I found was an open government that offers the opposition the chance to speak."

And according to Jean Todt, the president of motor sport's

world governing body:

"The information we have is that at this moment the situation is very peaceful in Bahrain.

You should go there and have a look."

The news of F1 coming back to Bahrain have made the youth, fans and people enthusiastic.

The F1 date has been regarded unofficially as the countdown to "set things right" in Bahrain, to receive

the international event with welcoming smiles as always.

What I do not get is why do the racing teams boycott Bahrain?

Why did the racing teams harm the very people who anticipate their contribution each year?

Haven't they always enjoyed Bahrain? The people of Bahrain have always took pleasure in personally

meeting and greeting tourists and visitors, took pride in showing-off their beautiful kingdom and

talk about their culture.

To help Bahrain when it is in need is not to turn your back on it, it is to come and participate In reviving the unity of its people, to participate

the warm smiles that welcome you each year and serve you each year.

F1 brings volunteers from all walks of life - youth, retirees, men & women from different backgrounds & religions to

unite their efforts to create this international event a successful& memorable one.

So why do the F1 teams persist in not coming?

• Will you help the unemployed when hotels won’t reach the foretasted vacancy rates?

• Will you help when restaurants don't receive tourists & visitors tasting delicious Arabic food?

• Will you help the youth who started small businesses which thrive on this international event yearly?

• Will you help the taxi drivers waiting to greet you every year?

• Will you help when airline companies suffer?

• Will you help when an employee loses their job because he/she is no longer affordable?

F1 would have helped Bahrain in many ways. Most importantly, it would have pushed both sides of the

community to unite for an event Bahrain waits for annually with anticipation, preparation and hard work.

The very essence of sports is to be "politically free", to be neutral, to forget all about the world and concentrate

on the game. If true sportsmanship was adapted by the F1 teams, who unfortunately decided to

boycott Bahrain, not only they would have shown their professionalism & respect to sport's neutrality, but they would have been the very heroes who united Bahrain.

Dear F1 Team,

We welcomed you with an open heartWelcome us with an open mindBe the heroes of Bahrain Unity.