'UAE Unites Us' theme gives National Sports Day a boost

Jiu Jitsu is a challenging sport which helps in maintaining a high level of fitness.

The right places to be in the UAE to celebrate and participate in the inaugural National Sports Day - themed 'UAE Unites Us' - are the Nation Towers complex on the Abu Dhabi corniche and the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) at Dubai Marina today.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) are the initiators of the event in the Capital. Being held to coincide with the UAE National Day on December 2, DIMC will be the official headquarters from where the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the initiators and organisers here, will coordinate the festivities taking place on a 24-hour basis on land, sea and in the air in the emirate, including Al Awir and Hatta.
Saeed Hareb, secretary general, DSC told media: "Sport in the UAE is becoming a way of life and each day we hold a different event that brings with it countless benefits to our society in every field."
"Sports academies, clubs, institutions and corporations will all be hosting various events and activities. There are so many activities planned and the list is so interesting, and sports and fitness enthusiasts will find the journey a new kind of an experience," said a official at DSC, "Being at the DIMC which has a few events will give the right kind of ambience."
He added: "There is 24-hour treadmill challenge, that will feature Ironmen Mohamed Bilal and Osman Safi, a Guinness World Record attempt for steps taken while walking on your knees, along with yoga football, handball, footy-tennis, rugby, badminton, cycling, table tennis, billiards, hockey, jiu-jitsu, boxing, fencing, water sports, fitness challenges, body building, zumba and tug of war."
The National Sports Day is an initiative of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and is organised under the slogan 'UAE Unites Us'. The Abu Dhabi activities include chess, golf, basketball, fencing, football, polo, judo, jiu jitsu and skating. The dedicated day for sport was launched by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, vice president of the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare along with Hareb, at the Etihad Towers, in Abu Dhabi.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee, had in July, launched the logo for the inaugural UAE National Sports Day.
"Our National Day is a day that unites us. Since that day, we have been through amazing moments that unite us. They have been carved into the walls of this land. Sport is our united language. That is the message we want to send out. It is not about being a winner or loser. We want to promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance sports in our community," Mahmoud told media during the launch earlier this year.
The day will involve recreational, promotional, communal, educational and competitive activities and will help in a positive interaction among multi cultures living peacefully and happily in the UAE. Each of the seven Emirates will organise a sporting event on the day, reflecting the cohesion between all the segments of society. Federal and local Government employees, private sector employees, sporting and culture unions, clubs and institutions, friendly communities, families, have all been invited to take part in the activities.
moni@khaleejtimes.com