UAE asserts commitment to sport as uplifting force

Dubai: The UAE pays special attention to sports because it represents an important and central element of human development, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, said yesterday.

Shaikh Hamdan said this awareness of the immense power of sport is evident in the big support for various sporting events and activities from President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The advanced sports infrastructure in Dubai and the country as a whole was also a reflection of the importance accorded to sports, he added.

Welcome address

Shaikh Hamdan was welcoming delegates at the SportAccord International 2010 conference, which opened yesterday in Dubai with the participation of representatives from over 100 international sports federations, besides top sports personalities. He also voiced Dubai's pride at hosting the global conference.

Shaikh Hamdan said the patronage of Shaikh Mohammad for the conference reflected the keenness of Dubai to ensure that the event was a success.