Preparations kick off for Muscat to host 2nd Asian beach games in December 2010

The Oman Olympic Committee announced that preparations are underway for Muscat to host the 2nd Asian Beach Games in December 2010. Over 10,000 athletes, officials, media and volunteers from 45 countries are expected to participate in the world-class event. 

“The Asian Beach Games deliver a strong message to our youth that fair and honorable competition is an important hallmark,” expressed H.E. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Sports Affairs and Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee. “This is a great opportunity for the Sultanate to showcase its natural beauty, unique identity and intangible heritage to Asia and beyond. We would like to thank the Olympic Council of Asia for this great honor.”

Eng. Habib A. Macki, Vice-Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee said, “We are confident that the 2nd Asian Beach Games Muscat 2010 will position Oman as a magnet for premium sports tourism, instilling national pride while attaining international prestige and recognition through beach sports.”

Husain Al Musallam, Director General of Olympic Council of Asia, added that the young, vibrant population and popular local beach culture will ensure an enthusiastic atmosphere for the competitions and Oman’s natural landscape and pristine coastline provide ideal venues to house the games and promote interest in the country.

The logo designed for the 2nd Asian Beach Games Muscat 2010 was unveiled at an exclusive launch event under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Rajiha bint Abdul Ameer Ali, Minister of Tourism, to celebrate international partnership and the Olympic spirit. Crafted by Omani artist Saleem Sakhi Al Balushi, the logo design is derived from Oman’s maritime traditions where the sail reflects the relation between Oman and the rest of the world supported by strong waves that represent the solidity, vitality and challenges of the Games coupled with a visual representation of Oman’s iridescent beaches. The shining sun is an element from the Olympic Council of Asia emblem and represents its vital role in Asia's sport development and spreading energy created by the solidarity of the OCA.

The Oman Olympic Committee has solicited the expertise of Omran, Omani Tourism and Development Company, to ensure timely and comprehensive management of the project with the aim to promote tourism by merging commercial viability and excellence in quality with appreciation of culture and national interest. 

Oman’s first ever world-standard ‘sports village’ is under construction at a dedicated 1 million square meter site at Wudam Al Sahil and will be completed by mid 2010 in time for the prestigious 2nd Asian Beach Games. A conscious ‘legacy development’ by Omran, the entire project has been conceived and designed to later become a major sports, leisure and tourism resort providing significant benefits to the national and local economy.

Athletes of the 2nd Asian Beach Games Muscat 2010 will compete in 11 sports disciplines including: Beach Handball, Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Body Building, Jet Ski Sport, Marathon Swimming, Sailing, Beach Kabadi, Beach Sepak Takraw and Triathlons. 

An international team of highly qualified professionals has been assembled to bring the project to fruition. The organizing committee is Chaired by H.H. Sayyid Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, Minister of Heritage & Culture, and comprises seven distinguished members including: H.E. Sayyid Hamood bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, H.E. Hamed bin Mohammed Al Rashdi, Minister of Information, H.E. Dr. Rajiha bint Abdul Ameer Ali, Minister of Tourism, H.E. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Sports Affairs, H.E. Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Major General wRukn Salim bin Musallam Qatan, Assistant Inspector General of Police & Customs, and Eng. Habib Macki, Vice-Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee.

Macki concluded, “We look forward to welcoming the delegations in December 2010 and leaving a lasting impression of our hospitality, culture, heritage and traditions which they can take back to their countries and share their experience with colleagues, family and friends.”

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)