GCC leaders patronise youth and sports activities

Manama, Mar. 13 (BNA): Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani said the leaders of the GCC states are keen on caring for the youth and promoting the sports activities. "The GCC leaders constantly patronize the sports events that gather the GCC youth," he told reporters at the closing ceremony of the First GCC Endurance Championship on Saturday, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). He cited as evidence of the GCC leaders' care for the youth, the presence at the ceremony Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "The just-ended championship added momentum to the sports movement in the Arabian Gulf region," Dr. Al-Zayani said. "The equestrian sports one among the most important traditional sports in the region that came to prominence in recent years," he said, noting that the championship provided a chance for equestrians from the GCC states to compete in amicable atmospheres. He affirmed that the GCC leaders instructed the youth and sports institutions of their respective countries to offer all possible support to the sports events and programmes, facilitate the youth visit exchanges, and help foster the talents of the youth. He thanked the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the championship at the Bahrain International Endurance Village. The120 km. long race saw the UAE equestrians Shaikh Hamad bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum, Saif Al-Mazroo'ey and Saeed Al-Mahri respectively dominating the podium, KUNA reported.