Dubai embraces Peace and Sport Forum
Hundreds of sportspeople taking part in build-up competitions ahead of main event
Dubai: A range of sports competitions are being held throughout this month as part of the build-up to the Dubai Peace and Sport Forum, which will be held here on April 23 and 24.
The first of the events, a table tennis championship, attracted players of nearly 150 nationalities at the Mirdiff City Centre Mall last weekend.
This week will see a football tournament at the Dubai Municipality ground involving eight teams representing Argentina, Brazil, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia and hosts UAE.
The Peace and Sport Forum has additionally tied up with the Dubai Chess and Culture Club to organise the Dubai International Chess Open, being held until April 16, while cycling enthusiasts will be involved in an endurance ride at the Al Qudra cycling track on April 8.
“These events are all a part of our build-up to the forum. We want the entire community to be involved as peace is something that has to be fostered at the grass-roots level, starting with our families and children,” said Rashid Al Kamali, General Co-Ordinator for the Peace and Sport Forum.
Awareness campaigns have already begun, with special workshops being held at universities in Dubai, while schoolchildren are involved in a painting competition on the themes of sport and peace.
“In addition to some top ministers representing the region, we are also expecting some famous international athletes to attend this forum,” said Khalid Bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee.
“This forum is in keeping with the strategy laid down by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and we believe that Dubai is the right example to drive home the lesson of peace through sport.
“This is the first time that an event of this nature is being held in the Middle East and these diverse promotional events and activities are aimed at highlighting its importance. We need complete involvement from the communities that live in Dubai and the UAE.”
The Peace and Sport Forum, being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, will seek to engage with governments, National Olympic Committees, international organisations such as the United Nations and World Bank, along with NGOs, charities and associations from across the Middle East.
Created in 2007 by Joel Bouzou under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Peace and Sport Forum is a neutral international initiative promoting sport as a way to build bridges connecting communities for sustainable peace and social cohesion.
