THE popular annual Nasser Bin Hamad Marine Heritage Sports Season launched last month has been a success so far, according to a top official.
The eighth, and largest, edition of the initiative, featuring a wide range of traditional maritime competitions – such as swimming, pearl diving, breath-holding, sea-chanting, rowing and fishing – has witnessed a record 300-plus participants of various age groups and communities from Bahrain and the GCC.
“This reflects the popularity of the event, which has become a prominent annual station on the marine sports calendar,” said competitions director Ahmed Al Shamlan in a statement.
He praised the organisational success of the season which concludes in November.
During the first half of this year’s season, the open water swimming competition and the Al Hayer contest for the extraction of oysters – named after Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa – marked a successful start that showcased the high level of preparedness that the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Mawrooth) has been keen on since day one, said Mr Al Shamlan.
The season’s logo
The season continues with a diverse programme of events including two rounds of the underwater breath-holding competition at the end of this month, followed by a new edition of Al Nahham sea-chanting competition on September 19 featuring participants from various GCC nations.
Additionally, rounds of traditional rowing races will be held in September and October, ahead of the open water swimming competition for youngsters.
Two rounds of Al Haddaq fishing competition will be held during October and November, leading up to the grand finale which will feature His Majesty the King’s Cup for Traditional Rowing Boats.
The annual season is one of the most prominent competitions organised by Mawrooth aimed at reviving the kingdom’s authentic smaritime heritage.
Swimmers practise for the open swimming competition
It is sponsored by His Majesty the King’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser, with the direct support of SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid, reflecting their interest in reviving sea values and strengthening their presence in the hearts of new generations.
Mr Al Shamlan stressed that the success of the season so far would not have been possible without careful planning and fruitful co-operation between the various participating and supporting entities.
He added that the current edition of the competition embodied the concept of sustainability in organising heritage and sports events in a manner befitting the name and status of Bahrain.
“The season is not only a sporting event, but also represents an inclusive national space that promotes the values of belonging and pride in the Bahraini identity, as it combines the past and the present in a competitive atmosphere that reflectes the authenticity of the Bahraini society and its love for its heritage,” he said.
The official stressed that the results achieved so far and the wide participation constituted a strong motivation to continue work until the closing day, looking forward to the finale in November to match the momentum that has accompanied the activities of the season since its inception.
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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