Williams establishes foundation in Angola

Williams F1 today announced the formation of its first non-forprofit Williams Foundation. The Foundation will be based in Angola and will be established in association with the team’s newly appointed partner, Ridge Solutions, a leading private investment group involved in real estate, agriculture and other sectors of the Angolan economy.

Williams F1 has identified three key areas in which it will seek to make a broader contribution to society, namely education, energy-efficiency and road safety. These areas have been chosen because they are close to, and consistent with, Williams F1’s core activities of racing and engineering. As such initiatives can only be promoted on the ground and with local partners, the Williams Foundation will establish relationships with private companies, NGOs and government agencies worldwide.

The first Williams Foundation, which will set a template for future work, will be established in Angola in partnership with Ridge Solutions. The Foundation will co-operate closely with Angola’s Ministry of Sports, the Fundo LWINI and the COCAN2010 football tournament. In order to launch the Foundation and its new relationships with Angola, the AT&T Williams race cars will carry the brands of Fundo LWINI and COCAN2010 from this weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia and for the remainder of the season.

Fundo LWINI is a major charity in Angola whose programmes include tackling the country’s landmine legacy through the provision of medical assistance, rehabilitation and training programmes to reintegrate victims back into society. The Fund also provides support for a large number of people rendered disabled through road traffic accidents every year on Angola’s roads.

The Williams Foundation will also support Angola’s COCAN2010 campaign which was awarded the honour of hosting the 27th African Cup of Nations football tournament, a project which will unite 16 African nations next January.

Commenting on the Williams Foundation, Williams F1’s Chief Executive, Adam Parr, said, “We are delighted to be establishing the Williams Foundation in Angola in partnership with Ridge Solutions. Angola is a wonderful country which has a strong programme of social and economic development following many difficult years. Road safety and education are important challenges for the people of Angola and we are pleased to be able to provide assistance in these areas. Motor sports offer opportunities for the country to develop both on the sporting front and economically and Williams are proud to be a part of the endeavour.”