Abu Dhabi: The National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the General Authority of Sports (GAS) recently unveiled the specifics of the 8th National Sports Day, with the theme “The UAE Unites Us.”
The theme reflects the unity among all segments of the society, highlighting the synergy and cohesiveness among diverse cultures in the UAE, in line with the government’s directives and the pillars of the UAE Centennial 2071 that aim to make the UAE the best country in the world by the 100th anniversary of its establishment.
The National Sports Day events were revealed during a press conference that was held at the Authority’s headquarters, in the presence of Mr. Saeed Abdul Ghaffar, Secretary General of the General Authority of Sports, Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Executive Team for the National Sports Day Initiative and Member of the Executive Office of the National Olympic Committee and Eng. Azza bint Sulaiman, Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the UAE National Olympic Committee.
Mr. Saeed Abdul Ghaffar stated that, “Through the National Sports Day, we look forward to showcasing the wide scope for cooperation between the government entities and sports and private sector organizations in the UAE. Our ultimate aim is the achievement of our shared goals which include enhancing the prevalence of sports in society and encouraging all society members to take up different kinds of sports, in line with our wise leadership’s directives to consolidate the presence of sports in the competition, leisure, and heritage aspects.”
The main event of the National Sports Day will be held at Shabab Al Ahly Club, featuring sports training sessions and football, basketball, volleyball, and badminton competitions. A football match will also be held for the Club’s staff, apart from a cup-tied football tournament for the participating teams. In addition, nearly 50 major sporting events will be organized across the UAE, accompanied by multiple and diverse activities.
These will feature the Flat Race competition put on by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and the world skydiving championships hosted by the Abu Dhabi Air Sports Club, according to Eng. Azza.
Furthermore, the UAE Women’s Sports Federation will organize a healthy and family sports initiative for women and children under the title ‘I Live with Vigor and Vitality’. Meanwhile, the participation of people of determination in athletics and an array of gymnastics and chess matches will be ensured by the Manar Al-Iman Charity Private School in Ajman. Eng. Azza clarified that participation in the Sports Day events will be open to all community members and segments and will take place in gardens, parks, and places designated for sports activities across the UAE.
With the focus of this year’s events being on the role of sports in encouraging sustainability, sports activities that reduce the use of vehicles such as walking and running will be promoted. Similarly, the usage of plastic water bottles by athletes and all participants will be reduced through the distribution of reusable containers.
Promoting the practice of sports in society is one of the most important strategic goals of sports sector institutions in the country. They continue to do so in cooperation with government entities and the private sector by raising awareness and enhancing the opportunities for the public to take up sports activities.