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 affirmed that the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship, scheduled for Saturday, will be a great experience for the athletes.
He said that the Bahraini team was fully ready to compete in the championship and added that he would strive for a strong performance. He said the competition would not be easy, especially with the participation of veteran champions, but would count on his high potential.
Shaikh Nasser said that organising one of the most important sporting events in the Middle East will enhance the kingdom’s position on the world map as a prominent sports, economic and media centre in the region, thanks to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Nasser said the Bahraini team hopes to continue its brilliant performance in the championship and achieve advanced results, stating that the previous Dubai International Championship has equipped the team significantly.
He praised the efforts of the organising committee to provide a suitable environment for all participants in the event, noting that the committee is keen to provide the best services to all participants.
According to Shaikh Nasser’s directives, the Ironkids and Irongirl events would be held on Friday. The organising committee has opened registration for the children’s race, which will take place at Bahrain Bay.
The committee has categorised the participants under the age of 14 as follows: the age group of 12-14 will run for 2.5km, 10-12 for 1.5km, 8-10 for 1km, 6-8 for 500m, 4-6 for 250m, and four and younger for 100m.
Meanwhile, Bahrain Triathlon Association president Shaikh Saqer Bin Salman Al Khalifa said that the association and the organising committee would ensure that the championship would be organised in the best possible manner. “The continuous follow-up and support of Shaikh Nasser has helped the association’s efforts in hosting this major championship,” he said.
The media committee visited Bahrain Bay, the site of the championship and discussed various issues, including follow-up on the final preparations at the site, special equipment, the media centre, the medical tent as well as the police and traffic police area.
Bahrain Sports Channel director Ibrahim Qambar, who will direct the television broadcasting, said that the sports channel has allocated 20 cameras to broadcast the event. He said that the team visited the site of the championship more than once to ensure that all the arrangements are in place.
The organising committee will hold a press conference tomorrow at the Four Seasons Hotel at 10am. The committee will unveil the championship’s route, the medals and various organisational and technical matters.