Shaikh Nasser's children to sponsor IRONKIDS and IronGirl

Manama, Nov. 28 (BNA): Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Hamad and HH Shaikh Mohammed, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's sons, the IRONKIDS event is taking place as part of the supporting events for the up-coming IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship, while HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser Al Khalifa is patronising the IronGirl which is organised in support of the champion. Featuring a 5km-race, the IronGirl contest, commencing on December 9, will see two times World Champion Daniele Ryf cheering the participants from the stands. Meanwhile, the IRONKIDS will have various distances, and is open for children who fall in the age group of 4-14 year old. Commenting on the hosting of these events, HH 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, confirmed that having the supporting events sponsored comes in support of children and women participating in this prestigious championship which aims to nurture a promising athletic generation who adopt a healthy lifestyle. "There is a noble goal which encourages our future generation to practice sport, and inspiring my own children to patronise the IRONKIDS and IronGirl is to help meet this goal, and such patronage will be extended to various events as well," HH Shaikh Nasser pointed. "We hope all parents in the Kingdom will encourage their children to participate in the IRONKIDS competition owing to its positive impact on their health as well, as it contributes to encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and practice sport regularly and also in order to contribute to the collective efforts of building the desired generation for the bright future that we all look forward to have," HH Shaikh Nasser added. On his part, President of the Championship, Ahmed Al Hajj announced that more than 1100 athletes living in Bahrain and outside the Kingdom from both genders have registered so far to take part in the IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship. He revealed that preparations to hold the event are almost complete, assuring that the event will undoubtedly earn a tremendous success. He encouraged athletes interested to compete in the event to register as the Organising Committee is working on finalising the final competitors list. Meanwhile, several participants have expressed their keen desire to compete and win top places in the event. Participant Hamad Al Muraisi said: "I have a very serious desire to give my best in the event, although I believe the completion will be very stiff given the fact that many top athletes are set to take part in the event." For his part, Mohammed Al Qais stated that: "The experience I gained from the recently-held Olympic Triathlon was very beneficial ahead of participation in the championship. I will focus now on improving my weak areas and bolstering my strengths so I become a serious challenger during the event." Finally, Nawaf Al Dhaen underlined that he was ready to challenge in the event thanks to competing in the the Olympic Triathlon. Several senior officials from Bahrain T.V Channels and the technical services department at the Ministry of State for Information Affairs are set to tour the championship course to undertake the necessary procedures to air the event.