HM King patronises Marine Heritage Season’s closing ceremony

Manama, Oct. 26 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today patronised, at the Bahrain National Museum, the closing ceremony of the first edition of the “Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season”. The Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season, which kicked off on September1, is organised by the Popular Heritage Sports Committee. On arrival, HM the King was welcomed by the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, President of the Bahrain Athletics Association and President of the West Asian Athletics Association, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and members of the Popular Heritage Sports Committee. After the National Anthem was played, HM the King watched the competitions of the final day of the Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season. First, the “Al-Shahoof” race was held between the Prince Khalifa Park and the National Theatre. Then, the races over HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad for the public, including eight boats, and the HH Shaikh Nasser’s elite Cup elite Cup, including 12 boats, were held. After that, a marine march including the participants in the “Al-Hayr” and “Gardens". HM the King honoured the winners of the three-kilometre HH Shaikh Nasser’s Cup, namely the Al-Hala, Jaw and Al-Zallaq teams which came first, second and third, respectively. HM King Hamad then honoured the winners of the two-kilometre HH Shaikh Khalid’s Cup, including winners, the Qalali team, in addition to second-placed, the Arad team, and third-placed, the Bani Jamra team. After that, HM the King was presented with a commemorative gift from HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad. Then, HM the King toured the exhibition of marine crafts and was informed about the craftsmen’s work related to sea and pearling. After that, HM the King left the ceremony. HM the King congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser on the outstanding success of the first edition of the “Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season”, hailing the massive participation by Bahraini youth and marine heritage fans in its competitions, which, he said, reflects HH Shaikh Nasser’s commitment to Bahrain’s authentic heritage. HM the King commended HH Shaikh Nasser’s efforts to hold events and competitions aimed at cementing national belonging and strengthening Bahrain’s authentic heritage. HM King Hamad gave directives to HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad to increase the prizes in the next marine heritage festivals and seasons to motivate participants and revive Bahrain’s rich marine heritage. HM the King also extended congratulations to all the winners and participants, paying tribute to the organisers, and wishing further success to everybody. HM King Hamad stressed his constant support for all initiatives aimed at preserving Bahrain’s deep-rooted national heritage, including marine sports, in order to inform Bahraini youth about them and encourage them to practise them, being an integral part of the kingdom’s identity. HH Shaikh Nasser praised HM the King’s interest in preserving Bahrain’s marine heritage, and keenness to harness all potentials to preserve and promote marine sports and heritage, extending sincere thanks to HM King Hamad for patronising and attending the “Al-Shahoof” race during the final day of the “Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season”. HH Shaikh Nasser expressed deep pride in HM the King’s patronage of the “Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season”, which, he said, was held in line with the royal directives to revive Bahrain’s deep-rooted heritage. HH Shaikh Nasser lauded the outstanding level showcased by the participating teams in the “Al-Shahoof” race, and congratulated the winners and the all the participants. HH Shaikh Nasser also paid tribute to the organisers of the “Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season”, for the tremendous efforts they have exerted to ensure the success of the competitions.