· The event lived up to the billing as a gathering point for world cultures
· Wide-ranging simultaneous activities took part in various emirates
· Salim Al Qasmi: Practising sport as a lifestyle is a priority of our leaders
· Azza bint Sulaiman: Pleased with the positive state of the National Sports Day, cooperation to make the event a success
The curtain was brought down on the 7th National Sports Day activities where the main event, a 3km walk, was held at Expo 2020 Dubai and toured the pavilions of many participating countries. Held under the theme: Emirates Unite Us, the event attracted 2204 participants from a wide spectrum of community segments and nationalities. Other 33 similar events were held at the same time to mark the occasion. Participants in the event were keen to express their love for the UAE through this sports event, which has now carved a niche for itself in the calendar of national events.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, attended part of the sports events held at the Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Executive Office, His Excellency Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Executive Team of the National Sports Day Initiative, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla, President of the Arab Chess Federation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the UAE Federation for Bodybuilding and Fitness, and Her Excellency Eng. Azza bint Sulaiman, Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the National Olympic Committee. Several public and sports figures as well as representatives of national entities, sports councils and federations, and media representatives attended the event.
The main event started from the Festival Garden at Expo 2020 Dubai, where the Dubai Police Band created an atmosphere of mixed happiness and positivity for all participants of different nationalities and age groups, which reflected the goals of the National Sports Day and the theme: Emirates Unite Us. The event terminated at the Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub, which hosted all the sporting events accompanying the event.
The exhibition performances of karate, taekwondo, fencing, jiu-jitsu and bodybuilding athletes were held and proved interactive with the public and added a unique beautiful touch.
The 7th National Sports Day witnessed the participation of the UAE Congenital Heart Disease Association, the UAE Deaf Association, and others which stressed that sport is an integral part of the daily plans and programmes for all segments of society.
At the end of the events, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan honoured the participants in the 7th National Sports Day. Medals and trophies were handed over, and photographs were taken.
Sheikh Engineer Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi said, “Practicing sports and making it a way of life will remain a top priority for our leaders as reflected in the unlimited support, initiatives and programmes that have had a great impact on spreading the awareness of the importance of sports.
“The participation of all segments of society that flocked to Expo 2020 Dubai in the National Sports Day reflects many concepts and reflected the actual meaning of the event’s theme i.e. Emirates Unite Us, in a clear indication that the United Arab Emirates embraces cultures and attract people from all over the world to live in peace, harmony and affection,” he continued.
"We were pleased with the participation of everyone today, be it athletes or officials. Thanks to Expo 2020 Dubai for hosting the National Sports Day and their continuous support, which reflected the importance and value of team spirit and joint teamwork towards achieving the desired success and excellence of this community event. I have to thank the strategic partners for their efforts over the past period and the various media organisations for their wonderful coverage of the event and transmitting it to all followers and those interested in sports,” he added.
Eng. Azza bint Sulaiman expressed her great happiness with the positive atmosphere that characterised the 7th National Sports Day, which was clear to see in all participants, which is attributed to the concerted efforts and cooperation to make this sporting event a success.
Her Excellency Eng. Azza bint Sulaiman extended sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the National Sports Day initiative, for the unlimited support and follow-up of the event. “This had reflected positively on the success of the event and the many positive messages it sent. At the same time, she offered sincere thanks and appreciation to Expo 2020 Dubai and all the strategic partners who enriched the event with their presence and excellent participation,” she concluded.