Day of sport ‘is good for people’

UMM AL QUWAIN // Celebrating National Sports Day had brought the people of the emirate together, event organisers said on Wednesday.

At Al Arabi Sports and Cultural Club expatriates and Emiratis mingled to play sports such as volleyball, football and athletics.

“We did many activities in the club and we wanted to reach the largest segment of people. And those who did not come to us, we went to them where they were – at the beaches and parks,” said Mazen Al Kafri, general coordinator at the club.

“We chose simple sports because people went there to be entertained, so there was no competition, just entertainment.”

Among the participants was Giri Srinivasan, an Indian who works as a programming head for a radio station.

He said that UAE National Sports Day gave him an opportunity to take part in outdoor sports.

“I always go to the gym, but I don’t do outdoor sports and this day gave me the opportunity,” the 33-year-old said.

In Ajman, the day was celebrated with the opening of Al Talah Square for bicycles.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid, Crown Prince of Ajman, joined the group of about 100 cyclists for the trip.

Ibrahim Al Shehhi, head of public relations and media at Ajman Municipality and head of the sports committee on National Sports Day, said Sheikh Ammar’s participation showed his support for healthy activities.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, an Emirati brigadier at Ajman Civil Defence, brought his bicycle to participate with cyclists.

“I always do cycling four times a week for two hours and this bicycle is mine,” the 48-year-old said. He thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE, for initiating the event “because it is really good for people”.