HM King attends endurance race; praises HH Shaikh Nasser's efforts to prepare future jockeys

Manama, Dec. 10 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today attended the Children’s Race of the National Day Endurance Championship, in the presence of HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Honorary President of the Royal Bahrain Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Vice-President of the Supreme Council for Environment and Deputy Chairman of the Coordination, Implementation and Follow-up Committee at the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, and BREEF President, HH Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa also attended the race, held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village. HH Shaikh Nasser’s children, HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in addition to 27 male and female jockeys from local stables participated in the 20-kilometre race. HM King Hamad lauded the tremendous efforts exerted by HH Shaikh Nasser to develop the endurance sport so as to reach the highest levels, as part of efforts to preserve such a deep-rooted Bahraini and Arab heritage game. HM the King asserted that BREEF’s keenness to hold endurance races for youngsters would promote such a sport, and prepare them to practise it in the future. HM King Hamad paid tribute to BREEF President and members for their continuous organisation of endurance races and kenness to harness all potentials for jockeys to develop such a heritage sport that enjoys a distinguished status in Bahrain, which resulted in the kingdom’s success in attaining multiple achievements at external competitions. HM the King congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance during the race which witnessed fierce competition, praising Bahraini boys and girls who participate in such competitions aimed at preserving the equestrian sport in Bahrain. HM King Hamad wished the participants in the 120-kilometre National Day Endurance Championship every success.