Bahrain endurance 13 elite team announced

Manama, May 4 (BNA): Following the directives of His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the formation of Bahrain Endurance 13 Elite Team was announced. Being the driving force behind the team, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa directed the team to promote a culture of health and wellness and endurance sporting excellence across the Gulf region and beyond. With an all-star stable of athletes including Olympic medalists, world champions, and future stars, the Bahrain Endurance 13 Elite Team will race for key long-distance triathlon titles. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa noted that the formation of the team comes as a result of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to form a national team that consists of the best athletes and is capable of competing in various sports events and championships, to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain in international sports arenas and to add to the Kingdom’s international achievements. "Through this incredible group of athletes that makes up our team, we will all contribute to spreading of the culture of triathlon and positive aspects of endurance sport," HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa said. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that through triathlon, people can enjoy a better life. He sees the attributes that successful endurance athletes possess -- such as hard work, commitment, a structured life, and healthy living -- as values he wants the people of Bahrain and the region to incorporate into their lives. There are thirteen athletes on the Bahrain Endurance 13 Elite Team, each chosen for their commitment to the team vision as well as their capability to mentor the next generation of grassroots Bahraini athletes. A further six athletes have been appointed as part of the Bahrain Endurance Racing Team, including 4-time world champion Chris McCormack who has been appointed to manage the team and overall project. McCormack said, "I am thankful for the trust HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has placed in me. Having come through the ranks of the ITU system attempting to qualify for the Olympics as well as aiming for and winning world championships in short and long distance triathlon, I know firsthand about the challenges our athletes face in terms of support as they aim for excellence on the world stage. I am also excited to help show young Bahraini athletes the pathways to success in endurance sport." The full roster of athletes on the Bahrain Endurance Team will be announced over the course of this week, culminating this weekend when HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa participates alongside other members of Bahrain Endurance at Ironman 70.3 Mallorca, Spain on May 9.