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Fujairah youths' plea to set up sports, cultural centres

FUJAIRAH - Residents of far-flung areas in Fujairah have appealed to the authorities responsible for youth welfare to set up sports and cultural centres for young men to spend their free time on useful activities, instead of playing on grounds that are not fit for sports activities, or simply wasting their time playing cards and watching TV.

They also suggest that recreational centres should be established at schools for students to engage in recreational activities during the vacations.

Due to lack of sport facilities, young men play their favourite game of football on rough fields and end up injuring themselves.

Remote areas like Siji, Thuban and Shoka lack simple sports and cultural centres.

Abdul Aziz Bu Hindi, Manager of General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare in the Eastern Region, said, "It is difficult to organise a summer camp in each village or locality."

"We have arranged transport for youngsters from these areas to go to the summer centres," he clarified.

He said the youths living in remote areas can join nearby summer camps. Those residing at Wadi Safni, Kadra, Shoka, Siji and Thuban can join two summer centres at Massafi school and club where cultural and sports activities, and computers are available.

Girls can go to the summer camp at Siji school, he added.

A resident, Saeed Hamoud, said absence of proper cultural and sports facilities was the most pressing problem facing the families living in these areas.

"There are no places where youth could spend their leisure time and gain some positive experience," he lamented. "Since they do have places to go to for pursuing their hobbies, the young men while away their time by watching TV or playing cards."

Mohammed Saif from Siji said his area and its surrounding ones, like Kadra and Manama, were forgotten areas because of the remoteness.

"Young men often stay indoor to spare their health from the hazardous dust of quarries and to be away from the danger of speeding trucks. They stay home, and watch TV or play other games," he added.

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