Countdown to UAE’s National Sports Day

The first National Sports Day on November 25 will kick off in the capital with a National Sports Festival, promising activities for the whole family.

There will be sport for the whole family at Abu Dhabi’s National Sports Festival. Courtesy UAE National Sports Festival

ABU DHABI // The first National Sports Day on November 25 will kick off in the capital with a festival that promises activities for the whole family.

Abu Dhabi’s National Sports Festival will be held at Zayed Sports City between 3pm and 10pm and will include more than 20 free-for-all activities.

Group workout sessions and a ladies-only weight loss programme, Zumba and yoga sessions will be held on the grounds at Haddins Gym.

Those looking for less strenuous activities will find the bowling lanes will be open throughout the evening, as well as billiards and table tennis.

More ambitious visitors can gear up for the “spinning marathon”, which will happen later in the day.

Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Sport is a universal language and the National Sports Day is a celebration of the UAE’s inclusiveness and multiculturalism. We look forward to a great turnout on the day and hope that the entire Abu Dhabi community participates in the different sports sessions, which offer something for everyone.”

Dr Michael Bitzer, the chief executive of Daman, the main supporter of the event, said: “We are proud to be part of the UAE’s first National Sports Day, and we see it as the beginning of a great tradition.”

Organisers said that the event would be annual and that many lessons would be learnt from the inaugural sports day.

“As a community, we must focus on wellness and active lifestyles – together. Together we can make positive changes now that can improve our health, while at the same time setting a wonderful example for our nation’s young people,” said Dr Bitzer.

Barry Bremner, general manager of Zayed Sports City, said it was a way for the leadership and the community to get together and promote well-being and health.

“It’s imperative that people recognise the many different ways there are to participate in sport and decide which ones they can fit it into their lifestyle,” he said.

“The National Sports Festival will showcase this philosophy. We live in a diverse culture and providing a wide variety of activities at the event will ensure that everyone will have a fun and an active time.”

A full schedule of events being held is listed on the website, uaesportsday.ae