A new mass participation sporting event will be introduced to the UAE in April, promising opportunities for people to participate in recreational sport while representing their companies and networking with potential clients. The Arabic Corporate Games has been given the full support of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) in their drive to increase sporting participation, promote fitness and combat heart disease.
Dr Ahmed al Sharif, secretary general of the DSC, said: "Sport has a positive effect in the life of an individual and society as whole. This event is part of increasing awareness of sport and encouraging the entire community to take part in activities." Vicki Gregory. Games Director, said that the UAE's commitment to the tradition of support was acknowledged throughout the world making it an ideal location to host the event.
"While there is a lot of sporting events in the UAE there are currently not that many opportunities for recreational and amateur sportsmen and women. This event will enable teams to represent companies, organisations and institutions across 19 different sport. The concept has been established for 20 years in other parts of the world and we are confident it will be a success here." The games, that will be held in a host of sites in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including stadiums, parks and local grounds, will be held on April 8 to 11.
"The games are a great opportunity for individuals but for companies they will provide team building and morale boosting opportunities. Each individual or team victory, in any event, is awarded with points and they accumulate over the weekend that ends with an award ceremony." said Ms Vickery "We are in negotiations with DSC to introduce Arabic sport, such as rifle shooting, in future years to give it more of a local flavour." said Ms Vickery.
The UAE's Dubai won the right to host what will be the first Arabic Corporate Games, beating bids from other countries in the GCC. Companies or organisations can enter a single competitor in a particular discipline or their whole workforce across a range of team sports, such as football and cricket. "One of my objectives is for the event to leave a legacy to the region and encourage the participants to establish clubs and create a culture of recreational sport in the UAE," she said. tbrooks@thenational.ae
