International athletes are arriving in the kingdom ahead of the long-awaited Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship which kicks off on Thursday under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.
His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has issued instructions to step up preparations in order to host the event in the best possible manner.
Shaikh Nasser has also stressed the importance of promoting the kingdom through this internationally recognised event which sees elite athletes in action. Shaikh Nasser said the presence of a championship at the international level in the kingdom is a great opportunity to showcase the rich authentic culture and history of Bahrain.
“Bahrain wholeheartedly welcomes to its soil the champions who will be competing in this event. The kingdom has become a fertile ground for hosting internationally acclaimed sporting events, and the Ironman Middle East is one of the most unique championships to be hosted by Bahrain and has gained huge popularity amongst Bahrainis and residents,” Shaikh Nasser said, praising the organising committee members and the Ministry of Information for their tremendous work to ensure that the event would be a remarkable success.
Shaikh Nasser hailed the Bahraini participants in the event, expressing confidence at their abilities to compete in top-class competitions. “We hope to see our Bahraini athletes make an honourable appearance in the event, facing a pool of international champions. We have a very high trust in their abilities to succeed against the best, as we have witnessed great excitement and serious preparations from them for the event,” Shaikh Nasser said.
Shaikh Nasser also urged all parents in the kingdom to enrol their children in the IRONKIDS event which is aimed at introducing the benefits of sport to the children in the country. He encouraged women and girls in Bahrain to take part in the IronGirl race. Both events will be hosted in support of Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship, giving all family members the opportunity to enjoy an entertainment-packed weekend.
Several Bahraini athletes taking part in the championship have expressed their desire to generate best results. “I want to give my best in this event. I trained very hard and feel ready to put in maximum efforts,” Hamad Al Muraisi said.
Meanwhile, Nawaf Al Dhaen predicts a stiff competition in the championship. “The kind of competition we are expecting during the event has made me intensify my preparations. I hope to achieve a good result in the event,” he stated.