Shaikh Mansour honours UAE sports achievers of 2012

Abu Dhabi: Thunderous applause greeted the mention of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when he was named one of the top achievers in UAE sport in 2012.

Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, gave one of Shaikh Mohammad’s sons, Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, a classy piece of artwork which depicted Shaikh Mohammad’s brilliant win in the 2012 World Endurance Championship.

At a glittering awards ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre, Shaikh Mansour honoured hundreds of sportspersons, who included more than 25 national sports federations, veteran officials and referees.

The General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW), under instructions from President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, organised the awards ceremony for the seventh year, for which Dh17 million had been allocated.

Shaikh Majid, along with Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum, also received awards from Shaikh Mansour as they were part of the team led by Shaikh Mohammad which achieved a 1-2-3 sweep of the individual medals as well as the team gold at the World Endurance Championship held at Euston Hall near Thetford, Suffolk, UK, last August.

Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Adviser to the President and President of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, also received an award for the success of the Federation in endurance and showjumping.

In showjumping, Shaikha Latifa Al Maktoum was given the award along with two other showjumpers.

Earlier, Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the success achieved by UAE sportspersons in their respective disciplines.

Ebrahim Abdul Malek, general secretary of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW), and the UAE FA’s Yousuf Yaqoub Al Sarkal, also took part in the honouring of the sportspersons.

The athletes from the UAE Paralympics Federation received a standing ovation, while the UAE under-23 football team were also honoured for qualifying for the London Olympics in 2012.

Later, speaking after the ceremony, Shaikh Mansour said that he was very happy with the achievements of the UAE sportspersons, particularly the great victory achieved by Shaikh Mohammad at the World Endurance Championship.

“UAE sportspersons have done very well and this year they have already achieved great success,” he said.

“We are particularly pleased with the achievements of sportswomen and this is the focus for us in the future,” he said.

The Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival was also a winner at yesterday’s awards, and Lara Sawaya, Director of the Festival, said: “For four years we have been promoting purebred Arabian horse racing, flat racing for lady jockeys and other such events. This award will encourage us to endeavour to achieve more.”

Ahmad Al Kamali, of the UAE Athletics Federation, said: “This ceremony, which recognises outstanding performances every year, is a huge boost to the athletes.”

Mohammad Bin Thaloob Al Drai, of the UAE Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu and Judo Federation, said: “This is a gesture from the rulers which keeps all sportspersons happy that their efforts are being recognised.”