Under the Patronage of HRH the Crown Prince .. Ironman Championship kicks-off tomorrow

Manama, Dec. 7 (BNA): Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship will be officially inaugurated tomorrow at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), with a special opening ceremony, to be aired live on Bahrain Sports T.V channel. This comes with the Organising Committee of the event having finalised all the preparations pertaining to the hosting of the three-stage Championship, which begins with a swimming contest from near Four Seasons Hotel, followed by cycling and running races respectively. The event will conclude at the BIC. On this occasion, 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, expressed his utmost appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince for patronising the event, affirming that it reflects HRH's interest and care to various sporting and youth events "I would like to warmly welcome all the participants, including the world's champions and those arriving from different countries as well as the young Bahrainis who are taking part in the event," HH Shaikh Nasser said, urging them all to showcase their best performances to ensure a highly competitive and successful Championship. Salman bin Ibrahim: Ironman Middle East Strengthens Bahrain's Position HE Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, General Secretary of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, stressed that holding such event would bolster the reputation of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key venue for international events. "Embracing such an event represents a great step towards improving the Ironman sport in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and it interprets the constant care of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to this sport. The participation of a pool of elite champions sheds more light on this Championship and paves the way for strong competition," HE Shaikh Salman said, expressing best wishes to the Bahraini participants, led by HH Shaikh Nasser to succeed in the competition. Supporting Events Begin tomorrow Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Hamad and HH Shaikh Mohammed, the sons of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad, IRONKIDS is taking place today at 5:00pm, followed by HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa-patronising IronGirl. Both events are expected to see a large turnout, with each participant in the IRONKIDS will receive a medal. The registration of both events will begin at 4:00pm. Open for children aged between 4-14, the IRONKIDS will feature races covering different distances, each of which designed for a particular age-group. Meanwhile, the IronGirl will see women contesting in a 5kms-running race. During the supporting events, children participating in IRONKIDS will get the opportunity of photo-op with world champions who will be taking part in the event. Family-events will be also held on the sideline of the Championship to give the opportunity to all family members to enjoy an unforgettable event. Briefing Meeting The Organising Committee will also hold today a briefing for all the participants, at Four Seasons Hotel, to share with them all instructions and matters related to the Championship. The Committee stressed on the importance of all the athletes taking part in the event to attend this meeting in order to to learn the details concerning the event. "Expo" to Commence today An expo featuring equipment and kits used in Ironman championships will be inaugurated tomorrow. It is expected to attract a large number of triathlon enthusiasts. The expo will be held throughout the championship at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, offering the chance to triathlon enthusiasts to shop for the best brands for their requirements.