Pedaling into limelight
Manama : With an aim to position Bahrain as a prominent economic, sporting and media hub in the international arena, Supreme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has instructed to begin preparations for the official presentation of BAHRAIN MERIDA Cycling Team.
The presentation of the team will commence on Sunday in the presence of sports enthusiasts. The occasion will also give cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to meet the team cyclists who will throw light on the formation of BAHRAIN MERIDA Cycling Team, the positive impacts of its launch and the events they will be racing.
Moreover, a training session will be organised on Saturday for the team, in which local cycling enthusiasts can also take part.
Bahrain in the limelight
Bahrain’s keenness to participate in different sporting events in the international level was stressed by Shaikh Nasser.
“Launching BAHRAIN MERIDA Cycling Team is as per His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision and ideas to position Bahrain at the centre of the world’s attention via accommodation of various sports, including cycling. This initiative will have a positive impact on the Kingdom so much that it becomes the home of cycling in Middle East after earning the same feat in the triathlon. This is a great leap towards promoting the country in line with the 2030 vision.”
Large fan base
Shaikh Nasser revealed that the official announcement of the establishment of the team participate in various international events will be done from Bahrain, the home of the team which comprises of elite international cycling champions.
“Cycling races are amongst the ones being followed by a large base of fans. Representation of Bahrain in a global sporting event will surely place the country in the minds of all the people as well as enlarge the community of cyclists in the Kingdom,” Shaikh Nasser asserted.
Focussing on youth
Shaikh Nasser revealed that the formation of the team has long-term goals for sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“The main focus is on raising awareness of cycling as a sport amongst Bahraini youth and to promote Bahraini cyclists as well as allow them to gain much needed experience so they can shine in international competitions.”
“Cycling is today one of the important sports being practiced in the Kingdom as Bahraini youth and residents have been keen to participate in races. Our main goal is to encourage the youth to live a healthy lifestyle,” HH Shaikh Nasser added.
Foreseeing the future
“The unveiling of this team represents the biggest sporting event that will position the Kingdom at the forefront of the sports movement. This is only the beginning as the Kingdom also plans to host international cycling races in the future. This will stimulate local economic growth and help in promoting tourism,” Shaikh Nasser affirmed adding that the establishment of the team and its goals do not stop at sports, economic and tourism but go beyond.
More than 350 Cyclists to train
More than 350 cyclists including Bahrainis and foreign residents will be participating in the training session, schedule at 9:00am on Saturday morning. The session will be held over a 48 km-route, starting from Sofitel Hotel and concluding at Bahrain International Circuit.
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