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Teamwork can fetch you millions in UAE

Dubai - On April 26, 27 and 28, Kite Beach Dubai will play host to the country's first ever 'Gov Games'.

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Come next month, it will be the ultimate test of physical and mental aptitude as government employees across the UAE battle it out for Dh2m in prize money.
On April 26, 27 and 28, Kite Beach Dubai will play host to the country's first ever 'Gov Games', an initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. Hosting both male and female teams from government departments across the country, participants will be pitted against each other in showcasing their physical fitness, mental agility and problem-solving skills.

Teams will be made up of seven members each; five main competitors and two substitute members. The three-day challenge will be split into two parts; a qualifying round and the finals. Female competitors will take on the dedicated beach obstacle course on day one of the challenge and male competitors will compete together on day two.
Day three will see the four winning teams from the qualifying rounds (two female teams and two male teams) go head-to-head on a brand new course, which will be revealed on the day. The two winning teams from each category will take home Dh1 million each.

Clear the obstacles

A team of judges will oversee the competition and will assess and award points based on their ability to work as a team, navigating the obstacles within the allotted times.
The winning teams will be declared as the ones that work best as a group and complete the final obstacle on day three in the shortest time.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Sunday, Marwan bin Essa, director of 'Gov Games', said the competition is the perfect mix of brain and brawn.
"The spirit of teamwork is the backbone of this initiative. If you're only physically fit, you will fail. Sheikh Hamdan wanted to focus more on mental agility and teamwork, so that is what will see competitors succeed." Although the exact course setup was not revealed at Sunday's announcement, Bin Essa said one example of what teams will have to do to score highly is pass the finish line together, as one. "The most physically fit competitor can't just pass the line on his/her own, it's about encouraging all to cross the line together." On the prize money - doubled from Dh500,000 per winning team to Dh1m by Sheikh Hamdan - Abdullah Al Basti, secretary general of the Executive Council told Khaleej Times that it will be distributed among the team members.
"It will be for the competitors only. The money will not go to the government department from which they are representing."
With the spirit of teamwork at the backbone of the 'Gov Games', Sheikh Hamdan launched the unique and first-of-its-kind fitness competition to provide a platform to strengthen collaboration. The main goal is to continue shedding light on the government of Dubai being one of the most innovative and dynamic in the world.
A total of 50 entities will be competing in the 'Gov Games' including teams from the Federal government and it will hold the dedicated hashtag of #1TEAM1SPIRIT.
Government departments are raring to go!
"Sheikh Hamdan wants to enforce fitness in an educational and fun way. He wants to endorse team work, too, and that's what this initiative does. There is a lot of research out there connecting a feeling of team spirit with happiness. We do believe working this way will increase happiness. And of course, we hope the RTA is one of the winners."
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, Roads and Transport Authority
"Gov Games is a great initiative to encourage those who don't usually play sports to start making fitness a lifestyle choice to improve their health and creativity. When government employees are fit and healthy, they are more able to make innovative decisions that will benefit the community, residents and the country at large."
Marwan Abdullah Mohammed Al Mohammed, Director, General Projects Department, Dubai Municipality
"The Gov Games initiative will encourage positive competition among government employees. We have seen the positive results of the Dubai Fitness Challenge launched by Sheikh Hamdan last year. It contributed to changing the lifestyle of many people by encouraging them to engage in physical activities. The Dewa will take part in this pioneering initiative."
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
"Activities relating to sports and fitness aim to develop the abilities and sports skills of employees of the participating government departments. Initiatives and competitions like Gov Games help create an environment of interdependence and interaction, where employees of different ranks and levels come together."
Brigadier Khalid Suhail, Director, General Department of Community Happiness, Dubai Police
kelly@khaleejtimes.com