Shaikh Ahmed endorses formation of HOC for GCC Youth Games

Dubai - The event, which will be hosted by the UAE, features the participation of 900 athletes and officials from the GCC countries.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee, has endorsed the composition of the Higher Organising Committee of the inaugural GCC Youth Games to be held from Sept.15-21.
The event, which will be hosted by the UAE, features the participation of 900 athletes and officials from the GCC countries. The Organizing Committee consists of Saeed Harib, Board Member of the NOC cum Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council as President, and Engineer Dawood Al Hajri as Vice President. Other members of the Committee include Talal Al Shinkeeti, Khalifa bin Darrai, Amal Al Koss, Abdullah Khalifa, Jasim bin Kalban, and Wajdan Dhahkoni. Brigadier Abdul Malik Jani, Director of the National Olympic Academy was named as Director of the Games, and Salim Al Habsi as Assistant Director.
"The GCC Youth Games marks a quantum shift and a career-defining event for participants featuring challenging showdowns and fair competitions between GCC citizens. The objectives of the Games goes beyond winning medals as it sets the blueprints for fostering a generation of athletes capable of representing their homelands and promoting the concepts of love, peace and friendship between different nations through sport. In keeping with the vision of the UAE leadership, sport in the UAE acts as a leverage of refining the skills and abilities of youth as well as empowering them to deliver in all fields," added Shaikh Ahmed.
Shaikh Ahmed directed to allocate all resources to organise the Games in the best possible manner in various technical, organisational and logistical aspects with a view to facilitating the tasks of GCC delegates throughout the duration of the Games, especially as the UAE has become a role model in hosting mega global sporting events.
Shaikh Ahmed endorsed the logo of the Games, which is indicative of the bonds & fraternity of GCC nations and symbolizes a coherent and interconnected model depicting the solid relationships between GCC sportsmen.
Different age groups Under 16 will take part in the Games, which include 11 disciplines namely: shooting (pistol, rifle), equestrian, athletics, swimming, archery, fencing, judo, sailing, cycling (road), basketball (3x3), and table tennis. About 900 athletes and officials from GCC countries will be taking part in thrilling events that offer the first sport gathering of GCC youths.