King hails Bahrain Merida unveiling

Manama, Jan. 8 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at Safriya Palace today Personal Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the occasion of unveiling Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team earlier today. Shaikh Nasser presented HM the King with a briefing on the goals of the team who will take part in many championships as well as the team's promotional strategy. HM the King hailed unveiling the team which is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East. The team is captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and comprises professional and well-experienced world champions in cycling. HM King Hamad wished the team every success, voicing confidence in its ability to boost its standing on the sport map. He also thanked the team members for their efforts to serve Bahrain. He also lauded the successful step of Shaikh Nasser in unveiling the team which reflects care for all sports and encouragement of Bahraini youngsters to take part in them so as to promote Bahrain's presence on the world sport map. HM the King thanked the official sponsors of Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team for their cooperation to achieve forecast aspirations, wishing Shaikh Nasser and the team members every success. Shaikh Nasser extended thanks and appreciation to HM the King for the meeting which reflects royal keenness to back sport initiatives aimed at promoting Bahrain. He stressed that the royal support will have a great impact in clinching leading places in the forthcoming international competitions. He affirmed Bahrain's status as a home to many sports which enjoy high popularity worldwide, including cycling, pointing out that forming the team and its participation in many world championships will undoubtedly contribute to boosting Bahrain's image and role. Shaikh Nasser pledged to continue promoting Bahrain and its achievements all over the world, stressing the role of sport in this respect given its high popularity and the great importance accorded by the mass media to the coverage of various sporting events.