Stage set for GCC Games

Dubai - Athletes from six Gulf countries will be in the fray. The Games will end on October 26.

Published: Wed 7 Oct 2015, 6:43 PM

Last updated: Thu 8 Oct 2015, 12:29 PM

Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), heads the 175-member UAE Olympic delegation to the GCC Games which will start in the Saudi Arabian city of Dammam on October 15. Athletes from six Gulf countries will be in the fray. The Games will end on October 26.
As many as 114 athletes from the UAE will vie for the honours in 14 disciplines - volleyball, handball, basketball, swimming, athletics, showjumping, endurance, weightlifting, judo, table tennis, bowling, karate, camel race and blind football. Meanwhile, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in his message to the media that they are going to achieve more glory for the nation.
"When the UAE athletes take part in any international competition, the main objective has always been to take the lead. We always aim to achieve excellence and prepare our athletes for the future," he said. "Sky is the limit for us and we are looking forward to achieving the highest level of success at the Games. The UAE have always been one of the top performers. This is the true image of the UAE," he said.
"The wise leadership of The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the emirates have provided all means of support and backing to promote the country's sports," he added.
"We are confident that the UAE boys and girls will live up to the expectations - even though it's going to be a very tough competition," he added.
"We are delighted to be taking part the event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a healthy atmosphere," he concluded.
The details of the UAE participation and the official delegation to the Games were announced by Omer Abdul Rahman Al Ali, CEO of the National Olympic Committee, during a special news conference at the Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City, in Dubai on Tuesday.