Page 41 - GAS PR REPORT - December 2023

12/27/23, 8:29 AM UAE celebrates its sports champions for 2022 at 17th Annual Sports Achievers Ceremony - mid-east.info
In his opening statement, he said: “The UAE sport has witnessed qualitative leaps and
constant developments that have contributed to constructing a flexible and integrated
institutional framework, inspired and fuelled by the ambitions and aspirations of our wise
leadership. Over the past few years, a number of significant and innovative initiatives
have been introduced to accelerate the nation’s sports development journey. Among
these initiatives is the National Sports Strategy 2031, which is the country’s first
comprehensive sports sector strategy and includes 17 ambitious projects aimed at
enhancing the UAE’s sports’ global presence. In addition, we have also witnessed the
promulgation of the Sports Law and the Emirates Commission for Elite and High-Level
Sport, the project of transformation of sports federations.”

He further added: “The impressive accomplishments of the country’s youth serve as a
testament to the constant progress of the UAE sports, which is a result of the concerted
efforts of the partners in the sports sector in the country. These efforts are aimed at
achieving national objectives and supporting sporting successes. In order to advance UAE
sport in the future, we will continue launching a number of innovative projects and
initiatives under the National Sports Strategy 2031.”

Additionally, HE expressed his delight in the athletes’ accomplishments and stated that
he is proud to recognise those who transformed aspirations and goals into reality,
significantly boosting the competitiveness of the UAE in the world of sports.

The ceremony further witnessed honouring 152 athletes from 10 sports federations who
secured over 140 gold, silver, and bronze medals at various international, continental and
regional competitions during 2022. Accolades and financial rewards were further
distributed to 116 players along with 12 coaches, 11 administrators, 10 heads of
delegations and 3 referees.

The UAE Jiujitsu Federation has secured the top spot among the list of the most
achieving federations in 2022 with 41 world medals comprising 17 gold, 13 silver and 11
bronze medals. Meanwhile, the National Paralympic Committee earned the largest share
of the value of the prize, with the paralympic athletic player Mohamed al-Hammadi and
paralympic shooting player Abdullah Sultan al-Aryani being recognised as world record
holders with special honouring and exceptional financial rewards.

The list of honourees at the sporting achievers of the year 2022 included the federations
of bodybuilding, fitness, Jiujitsu, bicycles, shooting, sailing, rowing, equestrian, Muay
Thai, kickboxing, judo, karate and the National Paralympic Committee. It additionally
included referees – Abdulaziz Ali Al Hammadi and Abdulaziz Yousef al Obaidli, the
referees of Muay Thai and Kick Boxing, and Mohamed Salem Al Mehri of the UAE
Federation for Body Building and Fitness.

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