Muscat: The Office of the Governor of Musandam and the Oman Athletics Association (OAA) signed a strategic partnership agreement on Monday at the Kempinski Hotel. Representing the Governor’s Office at the signing was Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam, while the Oman Athletics Association was represented by its chairman, Said al Hajri.
This agreement aims to support and enhance sports activities and develop sports infrastructure in the Musandam Governorate. The partnership is part of joint efforts to promote sports activities, expand youth participation, and provide a comprehensive sports environment that nurtures talent and improves the fitness of young people. At the conclusion of the event, the Oman Athletics chairman presented a commemorative gift to the Governor of Musandam.
After signing the agreement, Sayyid Ibrahim al Busaidy expressed his appreciation for this partnership, highlighting its importance in supporting the sports and tourism sectors in Musandam Governorate. He emphasised that this would meet the needs of the youth and local development requirements. Al Busaidy expressed hope that the partnership would be a fruitful step in enhancing the governorate's status as a distinguished tourist destination.
He added that this unique partnership with Oman Athletics will allow the association to be part of the 'Musandam Winter' programme calendar. He looked forward to seeing these sports activities make a significant impact, with the association contributing to high standards and creating a qualitative leap for the sport in the governorate, benefiting the enthusiastic younger generation interested in sports.
Al Busaidy emphasised that these events would not only be sports activities but also valuable additions to the tourism and economic sectors in Musandam Governorate, attracting visitors and stimulating tourism and economic growth. This would enhance the governorate's position as a distinguished destination for sports and tourism events at the national level.
On his part, Said al Hajri confirmed that the signing of this agreement aligns with Musandam Governorate's preparations for the 'Musandam Winter' event and the association's belief in the importance of sports in supporting tourism and the economy. He added that the agreement aims to organise sports events, including athletics and road races, in the governorate, supporting the sports sector in cooperation with governorate races and Sabco Sports.
Al Hajri explained that the agreement includes organising various sports events, including a road race with multiple distances suited to all levels: 2 kilometres for beginners, 5 km for amateurs, and up to 10 and 21 km for professional runners. The race seeks to attract participants from various parts of the world, including neighbouring countries, allowing them to enjoy Musandam’s stunning natural scenery and promoting sports and cultural exchange.
He added that the OAA is coordinating comprehensively with Sabco Sports to ensure this event is organised at the highest level, preparing the race to attract professional racers from different countries, which will raise the level of competition and offer a unique experience for both participants and visitors. All necessary international standards for such events will be adhered to. He noted that this initiative comes as Oman prepares to host other global sports events in the coming years.
PICs by Faisal al Balushi
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