Mansour declares Ramadan Games open

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, officially declared the Dh5 million 10th Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC) Ramadan Games open on Sunday night when he lit the 'flame' during an impressive ceremony.

The 20-day long Games, which are being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour, have attracted nearly 2000 sportspersons from over 50 nationalities.

After witnessing an impressive opening ceremony which consisted of fireworks, laser and musicals, Shaikh Mansour hailed the efforts of the AFOC Ramadan Games Organising Committee.

"It is very heartening to note that so many different nationalities will be taking part in the Games during this Holy Month of Ramadan," he said.

"A lot of effort has gone into the staging of this event as evident from this impressive opening ceremony.

"I wish the best of luck to all participants and hope they enjoy the Games in a spirit of friendship," he said.

"I hope the AFOCV would continue to make these Games bigger and better."

Sword presented

Shaikh Mansour also presented a golden sword to Sultan Saqr Al Suwaidi, the former Secretary General of Public Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare for his contribution towards Sport during the last 25 years. Major General Mohammad Hilal Al Kaabi, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the AFOC, said the 2006 Ramadan Games was very special as it marked the 10th edition of the event. "The Games also mark the 10th anniversary of the Club which was inaugurated way back in 1997," he said.

"We are delighted with the way these Games have progressed over the years," said Col. Mohammad Al Bushlaibi, Head of the Organising Committee.

"While we have increased the prize money from Dh 4 million to Dh 5 million we have also included Table Tennis and Cage Football to the list of games," Col. Bushlaibi said.

Apart from the 7-a-side football, competitions will be held in events like Bowling, Snooker, Tennis, Table Tennis, Shooting, Play-station with separate events for women and the handicapped.

"The total cash award on offer for football is Dh865, 500, followed by shooting (Dh486,000), tennis (Dh427,000), volleyball (Dh410,000), snooker (Dh225,000), bowling (Dh161,000), table tennis (Dh133,000) and electronic football (Dh129,000)," Col. Bushlaibi said. The main sponsors of the Ramadan Games are Etihad Airlines and Thales.