UAE to celebrate National Sports Day on November 25

Abu Dhabi - The National Sports Day coincides with the country's 44th National Day celebrations on December 2, under the theme 'UAE Unites Us.'

November 25 will be all about sport with the UAE set to celebrate its first ever National Sports Day. The National Sports Day coincides with the country's 44th National Day celebrations on December 2, under the theme 'UAE Unites Us.'
The dedicated day for sport was launched by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Vice President of the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare along with Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, at the Etihad Towers, in Abu Dhabi.
The National Sports Day will be held under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee, had in July, launched the logo for the inaugural UAE National Sports Day.
"Our National Day is a day that unites us. Since that day, we have been through amazing moments that unite us. They have been carved into the walls of this land. Sport is our united language. That is the message we want to send out. It is not about being a winner or loser. We want to promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance sports in our community," said Mahmoud.
With the UAE home to over 200 nationalities, Mahmoud said that the day was dedicated to everyone and not just for people who are engaged in sport. "We will reach out to the workers in their houses, to the students in the schools.
"It is not just for the sports professionals, it is for everyone living in the UAE. You do not have to be someone who does sport every day, but this event will make you want to do sport on this day. We need to encourage people and to guide them to feel this unity," he added.
He also said that henceforth, the National Sports Day will be celebrated every year on November 25.
The National Sports Day will involve the participation of all citizens and residents living in the UAE, be it young or old, men and women, able or disabled.
The day will involve recreational, promotional, communal, educational and competitive activities and will help in a positive interaction among multi cultures living peacefully and happily in the UAE.
Each of the seven Emirates will organise a sporting event on the day, reflecting the cohesion between all the segments of society.
Federal and local Government employees, private sector employees, sporting and culture unions, clubs and institutions, friendly communities, families, have all been invited to take part in the activities.
The Organising Committee of the National Sports Day consists of Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Mohammed Al Kamali, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee and Shaima Al Zaraouni, Executive Director of the Emirates Foundation for Humanitarian Services.
james@khaleejtimes.com