Morocco: Shaikh Nasser Praises Royal Directives to Hold 2nd Endurance Race in Morocco

BNA.bh

17/11/2012

Rabat, Nov. 17. (BNA) – Upon directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to activate joint cooperation with Morocco in the sports field, in general, and the equestrian one, in particular, and follow-up of the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) and captain of the Royal Equestrian and Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, preparations are in full swing to hold, on November 20, the second Bahrain and Morocco Endurance Championship, the largest of its kind in north Africa.

The race will be open for all riders and will cover a distance of 120 kms, with qualifying races of 80 and 40 kms, in accordance with the royal instructions.

An elite of riders from the Royal Endurance Team, led by Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia will be participating in the event.

On the occasion, Captain of the Royal Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad said that holding the second edition of the race in Morocco reflects the values of sincere cooperation bonding the two sisterly kingdoms, in line with the sound directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his brother King Mohammed VI.

The move aims to promote the endurance sport in North Africa, he added, noting that holding it in Morocco will increase the number of its fans there.

Shaikh Nasser expressed delight at implementing the Royal directives to turn the race into an international one so as to increase the number of participant riders and pave the way for Bahraini riders to strengthen ties with their counterparts in North Africa and other countries and exchange expertise with them.

He also affirmed that the race will benefit Bahraini and Moroccan riders and enrich their experience, wishing all riders every success.

On his part, BREEF President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad said that HM the King's directives to hold the race in Morocco will consolidate bilateral cooperation and will spread the sport in Morocco and other North African countries.

He added that BREEF and endurance officials in Morocco have taken all the necessary procedures in order to ensure the success of the race and achieve its set goals, pledging that members of the Royal team are keen to achieve the best results during the race and take advantage of it to prepare for the coming races.

In the same context, Dr. Khalid Ahmed asserted that all success requirements are already in place, adding that the race will be a highly-distinguished one, given the number of experienced riders taking part in it.

On his part, Media Office and Information Centre Director and Head of the Media Committee Tawfiq Al-Salhi said that BREEF is keen to implement the directives of Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid to enhance relations between Bahraini riders and others riders from Morocco and other countries and enhance sports cooperation, pledging that media coverage will be thorough, in line with the royal directives.

WHQ