Manama, Feb. 1 (BNA): The Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) signed an agreement with the Gulf University as part of the committee’s pursuit to establish community partnership with different segments of the Bahrain society to boost sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The agreement comes to the joy of the national team athletes who will now get 50 per cent discount on University fees.

BOC general secretary Abdulrahman Askarand Gulf university acting president Dr Muhannad Al Mashhadani signed the agreement, in the presence of Sports Media Committee chairman Mohammed Qassim, at an event held at the committee premises in Seef.

Commenting on this occasion, Askar said he was pleased to establish such cooperation with the Gulf University, which is regarded as one of the pioneers universities in the kingdom.

Askar noted that this agreement is an attempt to encourage national team players to complete their university studies to ensure a highly-educated generation of athletes.

The BOC general secretary added that the BOC will send an official letter to all national sports federations to benefit from this agreement, and extended the committee’s keenness to build bridges of cooperation and communication with various sectors of the Bahrain community, especially local universities.

Dr Al Mashhadani expressed pride for this agreement, which gives first place winning athletes in Arab, continental and international championships up to 50 per cent discounts on university studies, while similar incentives will be provided for other Bahraini athletes in general.

Dr Al Mashhadani noted that the agreement includes holding a series of specialized free courses for the BOC staff in the areas of media, management, PC and other specialties.

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BNA 1419 GMT 2016/02/01