Major General Mohammad Hilal Al Kaabi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces and newly elected president of the Athletics Association praised, Ahmad Al Kamali, his opponent in the elections.
"Al Kamali and I are working for the same goal: to develop and promote athletics in the UAE," said Al Kaabi. "Al Kamali has excellent experience in athletics. I cannot do without him in our future plans to promote athletics." Al Kaabi dominated the presidency elections getting 166 votes as against Al Kamali's 98.
When asked about whether he expected to win by such a big margin, he said, "I have a lot of trust in the clubs who are members of the general assembly. In an election one has to be prepared for any eventuality. But above all, I have trust in my capabilities and the UAE clubs."
Al Kaabi was happy with his win saying, "I take this occasion to thank the clubs who trusted me and voted for me. I will get a good chance to serve the youth and sport in the country. We will work hard in the coming years to develop athletics in the UAE and prepare our athletes so they can win medals in continental and international competitions."
Al Kaabi, the board chairman of the athletics association for the last four years, claimed that the positive result had put a big responsibility on his shoulders. "I hope we live up to the general assembly and clubs expectations," he said.
Meanwhile, Monira Safar became the first UAE woman to be elected as a member of a sports association.
Dr Fatima Hadi was elected into the chess association last week winning unopposed like the rest of her colleagues in the chess association. Monira, nominated by Al Hamriya club, won the board membership comfortably by finishing third with 176 votes. There was stiff competition between the 17 candidates for the eight seats up for grabs.
"I was surprised by the number of votes I received," said Monira. "I didn't think that I would come third. I hope we can develop the standard of athletics for women in this country. I have an ambition to participate in the 2006 Doha Asian Games with a UAE women's team."
Mona Makki of the Al Jazira Al Hammra club failed to win board membership. Mona came 16th with 58 points. She congratulated Monira Safar and wished her the best.
The general assembly elected eight members for the athletics board of directors, they are: Rashid Al Jerby (Emirates club) 194 point; Naser Moraddad (Al Rams) 185; Monira Safar (Al Hamriya) 176; Dr Ebrahim Al Sakar (Ras Al Khaimah) 159; Obaid Saeed (Al Ahli) 159; Ahmad Khamis Al Mansoury (Falaj Al Mualla) 149; Mohammad Ali Amir (Al Wasl) 142; Dr Abdullah Abdul Karim (Al Zaid) 134 points.
