Manama, Mar. 15. (BNA) – Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has praised His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s constant support for the youth and sport movement in the kingdom.
He lauded HM the King’s attending of the final stage of the “Swimming Challenge” and keenness to welcome the First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS and President of the Bahrain Athletic Association Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa as he completed the challenge extending from the Sunset Resort in Saudi Arabia to the Sofitel Resort in Zallaq in Bahrain.
He said that Shaikh Khalid defied the unsettled weather and instable sea to cross the 42-km distance successfully in 20 hours.
He congratulated Shaikh Khalid on achieving a new world record by swimming for 42 kms non-stop during the challenge in which 70 prominent world swimmers participated.
He pointed out that the Swimming Challenge, whose proceeds will be allocated to cancer patients in Bahrain, reflects Shaikh Khalid’s interest in social issues and keenness to serve and empower members of the Bahraini society.
He added that through such a unique adventure, Shaikh Khalid has set himself a role model for Bahraini youth regarding determination, sacrifice and dedication in the service of his community and homeland.
He pointed out that Shaikh Khalid’s successful challenge has drawn the world’s attention to the achievements of Bahraini sport during HM the King’s prosperous era.
Shaikh Nasser called on Bahraini, GCC and Arab youths to join such challenges in order to achieve more world swimming records.
During the closing ceremony of the Swimming Challenge, Shaikh Nasser crowned Shaikh Khalid, in the presence of the Chairman of the High Committee of the Shaikh Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Shaikh Faisal bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and members of SCYS and BOC.
Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid exchanged commemorative gifts and honoured all the 70 participants in the events.
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BNA 1449 GMT 2014/03/15