PLC's participation boosts event

Abu Dhabi - The Pro League Committee welcomed football fans of all different ages to play and show off their skills

In cooperation with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Pro League Committee participated in the activities of the first ever National Sports Day on Wednesday - an initiative pioneered by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who launched the annual day to promote sports throughout all organisations, alongside the directive of Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the National Sports Day initiative.
Providing football pitches at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the Pro League Committee welcomed football fans of all different ages to play and show off their skills, with Al Wahda star striker and the Arabian Gulf League's current top scorer Sebastian Tagliabue in attendance alongside former Al Wahda player Fahad Masoud, and Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Speaking at the event, Tagliabue said: "The atmosphere here today is great, and this initiative has great meaning to it because it is so important to teach children about sport from a young age; I believe in childhood, education and sport are the two most important things to be involved in.
"I am grateful to PLC for inviting me to participate in this event; it's a unique occasion to celebrate sport and today we can see everything from football, basketball, cycling, judo and many other sports being showcased."
And having joined in with some of the budding junior footballers in their activities, Tagliabue added: "I had fun playing with the children's team; they were very enthusiastic to show their skills and do their best to win, but most importantly to enjoy the experience."
Speaking about PLC's participation in the inaugural UAE National Sports Day, Suhail Al Areefi, CEO of the Pro League Committee, said: "The PLC was naturally eager to take part in the activities of this excellent initiative launched by Shaikh Mohammed, and we are pleased to represent football here at the events on the Abu Dhabi Corniche amongst a whole host of other sports.
"Our participation in National Sports Day will also continue into the evening, by organising a football tournament between members of the media, PLC staff, Abu Dhabi Sports Council staff, sponsors, and match officials."
sports@khaleejtimes.com