2nd RAK FTZ Ramadan Volleyball Tournament attracts more teams

The 2^nd Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) Ramadan Volleyball Tournament opened strong this year for the second year running. The tournament, which will run from 28 July to 9 August 2012, at RAK FTZ Business Park, offers a cash grand prize and a trophy to the winning team. 

The opening ceremony held yesterday at RAK FTZ Business Park, was attended by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, who opened the first match by throwing the ball to start the friendly games between the teams. The event was also attended by Maryam Al Murshedi Al Shehhi, Deputy Director General, RAK FTZ, other RAK FTZ representatives and other dignitaries from different government organisations in Ras Al Khaimah. The 12 competing teams were also in attendance, sporting their respective team jerseys. The tournament sponsors, Al Khaleej Diesel Trading, Knauf, RAK Precast, and Newrak Leisure Travel & Tourism, were also at hand to show their support. 

The tournament is part of RAK FTZ’s Healthy Employee Lifestyle Programme (HELP), which aims to promote the team spirit and camaraderie among RAK FTZ staff, clients, the Ras Al Khaimah community and the government employees of the emirate. Just on its second year, it has already seen an increase in participation, raising the number from the first year’s 10 teams to this year’s 12 participating teams. 

“We at RAK FTZ are working closely with our clients and the community around us to promote camaraderie. Volleyball, being one of the most ideal sports, is the perfect answer. With this type of friendly competitions, we are cultivating a healthy lifestyle that balances fasting with proper nutrition and hydration as well as exercise,” shares Noha Salem, Human Resources Manager, RAK FTZ. 

From RAK FTZ, three teams – CRD Team, Galaxy Stars, and Yeti – have qualified for the tournament. They will be competing against four RAK FTZ client teams – RAK Rockers, RAK German Team, Strikers, and Spikers – and five RAK community teams, namely Close, Julphar, The Cove Rotana Resort, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, and New Star Team from Hilton Hotels. 

“This is an exciting community event. We encourage families, relatives, friends and sports enthusiasts to come and watch the games. This tournament is for everybody; so, anyone can come and watch the games. We also have a raffle draw for the audience coming to watch the games,” adds Salem. 

Two games will be held every night after the Tawareeh prayers with a weekend break between the group games and quarter-finals. The games within groups will start on Saturday, 28 July and end on Thursday, 2 August. The quarter-finals will start on Sunday, 5 August and end the next day. While the semi-final games will start on 7 August, the finals (3^rd and 4^th place) are set for 8 August. The winning teams will be playing the final match for the 1^st and 2^nd place on 9 August. 

With the enthusiasm surrounding the second instalment of RAK FTZ Ramadan Volleyball Tournament, it is clearly building up to be one of the most-awaited community events in the emirate. For more information, please visit www.rakftz.com/volleyball.