Soccer players Dh500,000 richer

Shaikh Khalifa congratulated the UAE team and the technical and management staff for qualifying for the Olympics.

The UAE President received the football team at Al Dhiyafa Palace in the presence of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s Representative; and Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region.

Shaikh Khalifa lauded the historic feat of the football team as they qualified for the Olympics for the first time. He added that the appearance of the UAE sports teams in different events reflects the development and progress attained by the UAE in all fields.

He urged the players to represent the UAE in the London Olympics in a prestigious manner that matches the UAE’s standing.

Shaikh Khalifa underlined that the UAE is keen on promoting sports and rehabilitating youth armed with high spirits and good manners. “Good sports nurtures brain and brings up an aware generation that puts reputation of his country and people first.”

He pledged to support young Emiratis who represent the country in regional and international sports events.

The members of UAE Football Association and Olympic team expressed their gratitude to the UAE President for his support to Emiratis in all fields. They pledged to the President to exert their full efforts to bring honour to the country in the London Olympics. They also expressed their pleasure over meeting the President. — Wam