Number boffins

UAE-based Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) recently held its fifth National Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition in Dubai.

Richard D'Souza, General Controller of Finance in the Abu Dhabi Government, and Lavina Naronha, founder member of the Indian Ladies Association, Abu Dhabi declared the competition open.

About 1,500 students of many nationalities across the UAE participated, and more than 3,000 parents attended. Dignitaries and guests from Malaysia, India, Oman and the UAE attended.

The competition is held at various levels in 27 categories. Officials said the highlight of the event was watching kindergarten students in the Little Star category. About 300 trophies and prizes were awarded to winners. Live demonstrations by "Genius Kids" from UCMAS centres and a cultural programme kept the audience entertained, while magicians mesmerised children.

Another highlight was the graduation ceremony in which 35 young maths "geniuses" received awards.