Today's Edition
DOHA (WAM)
Sheikh Rashed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), led the UAE delegation to the 36th meeting of Presidents of GCC National Olympic Committees, hosted by Qatar in Doha on Wednesday.
Attendees adopted several recommendations from the General Secretariat, urging Gulf NOCs to increase specialised sports courses and workshops to provide more opportunities for GCC nationals.
It was agreed that the Olympic Committees will submit the schedule of events and courses for 2025 to the General Secretariat by November 2024 along with information on the sports events that federations intend to host next year.
Further recommendations included forming the Planning, Coordination, and Follow-up Committee, comprised of experienced and competent candidates from member states.
This committee will oversee the implementation of the strategic plan, follow up on decisions from GCC Olympic Committee Presidents' meetings and the Executive Office, and manage joint Gulf sports initiatives.
Additionally, the meeting also covered international cooperation, with a recommendation that future international sports collaborations focus on training courses and experience exchanges.
The meeting endorsed the name and regulations governing GCC Sports Games, aiming to promote the combined GCC Sports Games and future events. The final report of the First Gulf Youth Games - UAE 2024 was reviewed, with the Planning, Coordination, and Follow-up Committee tasked with addressing the challenges encountered and taking necessary actions.
The meeting approved the cancellation of the first GCC Futsal and Martial Arts Games, initially scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2024, due to the congestion of regional and international sports competitions.
The Games will be rescheduled for future years upon the request of a member state, ensuring no conflict with the combined GCC sports courses approved until 2027.
The Planning, Coordination, and Follow-up Committee has been tasked with preparing the timetable for Gulf sports courses from 2028 to 2031 for submission to the General Secretariat.
The meeting also approved the date for the 37th meeting of NOC heads on 6th May 2025 in Kuwait, preceded by a preparatory meeting of the Executive Bureau.
The delegation included NOC board members.
