Page 27 - GAS PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2023

11/24/23, 4:31 PM Latest News
of a healthy, distinguished, and prosperous community. His Excellency Dr Al Falasi emphasized the
importance of enhancing the community sports system for a united, tolerant, and prosperous future society,

extending beyond public health improvement.
In his address at the forum, His Excellency asserted the UAE’s substantial contribution to community sports,

and highlighted its role in identifying and developing sports talent, fostering exceptional athletes, and
achieving professional and leadership milestones. “Over the past decades, sports have emerged as a pivotal
element in the forward-looking vision of wise leadership in the UAE. The government has devoted

considerable efforts to advancing sports within its developmental frameworks. This initiative encompasses
not only elite sports but also community-based sports, with a primary emphasis on cultivating a robust and

athletic society to foster sustainable growth and mold the future,” His Excellency said.
“The Emirates Community Sports Forum represents one of the most important new initiatives launched by

the UAE, aimed at exploring opportunities for advancing community sports development in both the local
context of the UAE and the broader Gulf region. This initiative is in line with the National Strategy for Sports

2031, which seeks to elevate community sports participation to 71% within the next decade. But achieving
this goal necessitates collaborative efforts among all stakeholders in the sports sector,” His Excellency Dr Al
Falasi added.

His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al-Rubaie, the representative of the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation
Council in the forum, said: “The concept of universal sports plays a crucial role in the global strategies of

nations. Its philosophy is based on cultivating friendship among nations and communities, fostering cross-
cultural interactions, and supporting national federations in spreading and advancing their respective sports.

The ‘Sports for All’ initiative encourages consistent engagement in sports, contributing to improved strength,
fitness, health, and cultural exchange across various age demographics.”

His Excellency expressed appreciation for the UAE's role in hosting and embracing this pioneering forum,
which is the first of its kind, dedicated to addressing community sports issues at both regional and global
levels. The forum encourages the exchange of knowledge among sports and physical education experts,

researchers, and scholars from around the world, with a specific emphasis on the latest advancements in
inclusive sports. Its primary goal is to nurture scientific understanding and foster collaboration among

participants.
On the second day of the forum, key activities included interactive sessions, with a notable one titled ‘Future

Prospects for Community Sports’, moderated by journalist Mishal Al-Qahtani. This session hosted
distinguished speakers, including His Excellency Shaima Saleh Al-Hussaini from the Kingdom of Saudi

Arabia, Prof. Faisal Al-Mulla from the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Dr Maryam Khalifa Arab from Kuwait. The
session delved into various topics such as collaboration, innovation, capacity building, and applied research,
specifically focusing on advancing sports participation across diverse societal groups. It also explored the

latest methodologies and innovations aimed at enhancing engagement in community sports.
The second session, titled ‘Strategic Modeling to Promote Community Sports’, was moderated by journalist

Osama Al Amiri. Dr Sunaid Salem Al Marri from Qatar, Dr Abdul Rahim bin Muslim Al Darushi from the

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