Page 42 - Ministry of Sports PR Report - October 2024

10/23/24, 9:55 AM Ministry of Sports leads ‘Future of Sports Retreat’ to explore ways to enhance sports development, advance National Sports Strate…
explore opportunities and challenges facing Emirati sports, and discuss ways to instil a culture of sports and
active lifestyle across all segments of society.

The retreat was held in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National
Olympic Committee; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr.
Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and
Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi,
Minister of State for Youth Affairs; along with several esteemed heads of sports federations and prominent sports
personalities and athletes in the country.

Discussions focused on the development of strategies to continue to strengthen and expand the sector to achieve
leadership’s vision to realize the full potential social and economic impact of sports on the future of the UAE.
That included discussing the development of youth and the country’s future elite athletes, how to promote
professionalism among emerging athletes, as well as exploring the potential of sports as a form of public
diplomacy to enhance the UAE’s global position and advance nation branding objectives.

During his opening speech, Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, said: “This retreat presents a
valuable opportunity for the entire Emirati sports community and affiliated partners to come together as one to
plan for the future of UAE sports. Our aim is to develop recommendations and initiatives that will pave the way
for a new beginning, driving the growth of our sports sector to maximize its potential contribution and impact on
a prosperous and sustainable future of this country and its people.”

“The government’s decision to establish the Ministry of Sports reflects its commitment to making a significant
leap forward in the national sports ecosystem. This important step reflects the government’s dedication towards
empowering our current and future athletes and enabling the promise of Emirati youth to achieve their full
potential for leadership and excellence. The retreat is a vital first step as we come together as one family to shape
the future of this sector to contribute to the realisation of the government’s vision and direction of the country for
the next decade and help transform these ambitions into reality,” he added.

Expressing his pride on the sports champions who represented the country in Paris 2024 Olympics and
Paralympic Games, he addressed them with a motivational speech, saying: “You have been symbols of resilience
and success in sports, embodying the determination and perseverance needed for our sports sector and its future
athletes to realize success at the highest levels. We believe that you represent the hope and foundation for the
future of our sports sector and serve as true role models for new generations of Emirati athletes.”

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