Nasser bin Hamad hails “Ironman” achievement

Manama, Feb.21 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee extended congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, on the occasion of the Ironman Company granting Bahrain a percentage of 89.1% points for organising the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship. The rate provided to Bahrain is 2.92% above the global average. HH Shaikh Nasser noted that this figure is in line with the great support provided by His Majesty the King of Bahrain for Bahraini sports, the triathlon, in particular, placing Bahrain in a globally advanced stage for triathlon championships from an organisational point. This support, according to HH Shaikh Nasser, has enabled Bahrain to become the home of the triathlon sport in the Middle East, and allowed the Bahrain Endurance 13 Team and the Bahrain National Triathlon Team to achieve remarkable successes. This grade which was awarded to Bahrain is considered a very high percentage at the level of countries organising the Ironman events, as Bahrain’s rate falls 2.9% above the global average, confirming that the Kingdom had hosted the tournament in a novel and professional manner that was not reached by any nation in the world. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa pointed out that Bahrain is always going to be at the forefront when organising sporting events on its soil. His Highness said, "Bahrain has now become one of the countries that attract world championships thanks to the extraordinary hosting of many prestigious events, and this wouldn't have been possible without the support of His Majesty the King, who is the first supporter of the development of Bahraini sports and the advancement of its technical and administrative organisation. This is in addition to the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, and the attention of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister." His Highness elaborated, "This global achievement confirms Bahrain’s advanced status in organising the Ironman Championship. The Kingdom has presently become a home to the Triathlon in the Middle East, through the organisation of various competitions and their good management, in addition to the Bahrain Endurance 13 team and the Bahrain National Triathlon team scoring many achievements in an impressive short period of time. This provides us with an incentive to continue to work in order to consolidate Bahrain's international standing and to maintain these achievements, strengthening them to remain at the top of the organisational pyramid in the triathlon sport." His Highness concluded by saying, "We promise His Majesty the King to move forward in the development of the Bahraini sports movement and to attract more tournaments to be held on its soil, to promote Bahrain and its achievements in this prosperous era, in addition to the importance of Bahrain’s international position in hosting sporting events and presenting them brightly.”