Dh10m prize money on offer in Ramadan Games

Abu Dhabi: The Armed Forces Officers Club is all set to stage the 11th edition of the AFOC Open Sports Festival, which in total including prize money is worth Dh10 million.

Speaking to the press just before the draw for the football events were held yesterday at the AFOC premises, Col. Mohammad Al Bushlaibi, Director of Recreations at the AFOC, said this year more events were added with a bigger prize money on offer.

"Once again football will be the feature event and we have 64 teams that have confirmed their participation in this competition alone. There is also a team from Brazil in the fray while quite a few regional stars are likely to appear for the teams," said Col. Bushlaibi.

The Ramadan Games, being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, will get off to a colourful start on Monday.

"Competitions will be held in football (men and women), shooting, bowling, tennis, table tennis, snooker, chess and volleyball, Play-station, Paintball, Babyfoot adding to the excitement during the nights of Ramadan," said Bushlaibi.

Four groups

Lt Col Salam Khalifa Al Shamsi, Head of the Football event, organised the draw yesterday. "The 64 teams have been divided into 16 groups of four each. After the preliminary league stage, two teams will make the cut of 32, after which the teams will play a knock-out format," Al Shamsi said.

Amal Hassan, Head of the Ladies football said this year the quality of teams was enhanced with some top teams having confirmed. "There is a total amount of Dh650,000 on offer and the women's event is expected to provide lot of excitement," said Amal.

The Sports Festival is being supported by Thales, Etihad Airways, Gulf Turrets, Etisalat and Sorouh as the main sponsors.