The Al Ain Executive Committee organised a successful commemorative ceremony recently to honour all the winners of various events last season.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Al Ain Club and its honourary council.

A cheque of Dh 3,300,000 donated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Honourary Chairman of Al Ain Club, was awarded to the 2001-2002 champions.

Mohammed Saleh bin Bodua, Chairman of the Follow Up Committee, attended the event along with Mohammed Khalfan Mattar Al Rumaithy, Head of the club's Executive Committee.

Some members of the club's honourary council, members of the executive committee namely Sulaim Surour Al Shamsy, General Secretary, Hamad bin Nikhairat Al Amry, supervisor of the soccer senior outfit, and Khamis Obaid Al Kabei along with the newly-signed French coach Bruno Metsu were also present.

The list of honours included five football teams namely Al Ain First Division League Champions, Under-18 Junior Squad, winners of the league and the President's Cup for the second season, Under 20, Under 16 and the Under 14, who won the league titles.

Other teams which included 37 champions were: Athletics (10 titles), swimming (12 championships), tennis (10 championships), volleyball (two titles) and Karate (winners thrice). Al Ain team's former football striker Fahd Al Nowais and skipper Hamdoon were also honoured. A special gift was handed over to Yas Company for their sponsorship of the senior football team in the last season.

Mohammed Al Rumaithy, in his speech, said the achievements of Al Ain teams would not have become a reality, but for the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the financial and morale support given by Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the club and his deputy Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan also has contributed greatly in the club's success.

Meanwhile, Al Rumaithy disclosed in a statement that the club was still searching its second expatriate player, supposed to join the soccer team after a couple of days.

He said a special committee including members of the honourary council was formed earlier to work on this issue.

Regarding the third pro who is likely to take part in the Asian Super Cup competition, Al Rumaithy said the club still has ample time to sign a third player as Al Ain is due to compete in the Super Cup in March 2003.