Dubai: More than 25 institutions of the Dubai Government are expected to participate in the 2nd Dubai Government Sports Tournament that gets under way from Wednesday.
In 2011, competitions were held in four different sporting disciplines, namely football in two separate age categories, swimming and a five-kilometre walking race.
This year, the format has been altered a bit, with football being hosted in two categories: one for under-37 years and the other for over-38 years, swimming, a five-kilometre walking race along with three new sports, namely tug-of-war, bowling and billiards.
Competitions will commence with the bowling tournament at the Dubai Bowling Centre in Al Mamzar from Wednesday, followed by the billiards tournament in December.
Each month, a different competition will be staged, with both the football tournaments being held this time at the Dubai Police Officers Club in February and March next year. The entire competition, being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has been sponsored by Emirates Islamic Bank.
Boost to productivity
Walid Saeed from Emirates Islamic Bank said that the bank was only too willing to assist in an endeavour of this nature. “We believe a healthy mind and body can have a bigger and better impact on the place of work, and that is the reason why we decided to go ahead and back this competition,” Saeed said.
“It is always our endeavour to be assured of a healthy and vibrant society and this tournament for Dubai Government employees is a right step in the right direction,” said Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council.
“A healthy body and mind means we can be more effective in discharging our duties and contributing in a much better way in the growth of our nation,” he added.
