HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad hails royal patronage

Manama, Mar. 11(BNA): His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Athletics Association and President of the West Asian Athletics Federation, has expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for patronising Bahrain Half-Marathon Night Race, which will take place in Zallaq area on March 15, 2019. HH Shaikh Khalid asserted that the Royal patronage to the first of its kind international race that takes place in the Kingdom represents His Majesty the King’s concern about supporting the youth and sports movement, as they are the cornerstone of the nation’s development and prosperity. He noted that His Majesty the King’s endless support to youth and sports has resulted in the achievement of prominent accomplishments for the Kingdom of Bahrain in the past years. He stated that His Majesty the King’s patronage of the race is a source of pride and encouragement for all Bahraini athletes, inspiring them to dedicate more efforts to benefit the local sports movement. He highlighted that organising Bahrain Half-Marathon Night Race comes in line with the strategies set by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, with the aim of hosting various international sports events in the Kingdom, benefiting it on the sports, tourism, information and economic levels. It is worth mentioning that the race is the first of its kind to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A special race course has been set at the venue of the race, Sofitel Hotel and Spa in Zallaq. He stressed on the significance of the race, which has been approved by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and will see the participation of top international athletes and runners. He expressed his confidence in Bahrain Athletics Association to successfully host the big event, at the same time he praised the association’s rich administrative, technical and practical experience in organising such international events.