THOUSANDS of people from the public and private sectors took part in activities marking the country’s National Sports Day.
The fourth edition was held yesterday featuring activities and programmes organised by government ministries, state departments, public and private schools, clubs, sports associations and youth centres, besides several companies and establishments.
Under the theme “Get Ready… Go!”, the event was held in line with an edict by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, which allocated a half workday dedicated for sporting events.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of sports for individuals and the society.
The high organising committee, under the supervision of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, also hosted an action-filled programme at the Sports Village in Isa Town Sports City.
Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy president and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, attended.
“Designating a national sports day for Bahrain represents a real opportunity to break the daily routine,” Shaikh Khalid said.
“It also serves as a start for those who want to practice sports and adopt it as a healthy lifestyle because it contributes to reducing the chances of having chronic diseases and gives individuals a healthy body.”
MPs and Shura Council members, led by Parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal, also took part in sports activities alongside ministers, officials and employees prior to Parliament’s session at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya.
Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan took part in numerous events held at social, disability rehabilitation and care, and elderly centres across Bahrain, alongside the two headquarters for the ministry at Zayed Town and the Bahrain Financial Harbour.
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority staged a walk in the area around its premises in Sanabis.
Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa attended a sports programme at Al Najma Club in Juffair, alongside several schools, companies and organisations in the Capital Governorate.
The Cabinet and the Information and eGovernment Authority also held a fun-day at The Avenues Bahrain for its officials and employees.
Sporting activities were also held by the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry for its officials and employees at the Bahrain Financial Harbour’s surroundings and at the King Faisal Corniche.
The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry and the Bahrain Airport Services hosted walkathons at Arad Bay, while the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry’s Agriculture and Marine Resources held healthy talks and light sport activities at the Budaiya Botanical Garden.
The National Guard held sporting activities for all its units and brigades at its headquarters in Sakhir, with the activities including a 3km run.
Around 300 personnel from the Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services took part in sporting activities that included football and tug-of-war at the BDF Hospital.
Seef Properties is holding a five-day sports event, continuing until Saturday at Seef Mall.
A number of schools marked the occasion, including Al Noor International School that held a sports day at its campus in Sitra.
The Royal University for Women marked the day at its campus in Riffa, which included several sports competitions and activities, including a walkathon, basketball, zumba and fun games.
Bahrain University held numerous sport events at its Sakhir campus with participation from president Dr Riyadh Hamza and senior management.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))