Fujairah Crown Prince Receives Maktoum Championships—Ramadan Organizers

Official Press Release
A representation of the organizers of the Maktoum Championships—Ramadan 2010 was received today by the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

The Crown Prince was briefed on the details of the sporting championship that will be held 13-27 August, between the hours of 9.00pm to midnight, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Sheikh Mohammed warmly received the members of the Maktoum Championships organizing team and pledged his support and appreciation for all that is being done for the building of community through sport.

From the original vision of Sheikh Maktoum, the competitions have grown in popularity to the level that last year (2009) the Maktoum Championships were rated the second largest Ramadan sports tournament in the Emirates.

The MKC Ramadan in Fujairah has attracted international, national and local players and by last year the total number of 1154 participants was reached.

In 2009 the MKC Ramadan attracted the highest number of people watching the sports with approximately 32,000 spectators in attendance throughout the 20 days.

This year the organizers are planning a greater number of sports and exhibition events. With most activities being hosted by the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club for the very first time, many more players and spectators are expected. The events and crowds will be much closer together thus making a better sporting spectacle. This year people will be able to walk from event to event rather than needing to travel in their cars.

Ample car parking will be available and free buses will travel on soon-to-be publicised routes to enable players and spectators to get to the events and back each night with safety and ease.

While they are yet to be finalized, the current list of sports and exhibitions includes the following: football (soccer), volleyball (men’s and women’s), tennis, basketball (men’s and women’s), chess, tug of war, cricket, interactive games, motocross, sand drag racing, car show (classic and modified), special needs games, table tennis, taekwondo, boxing exhibition, squash, swimming and arm wrestling.

Important features will include competitions for those with special needs, women, children and corporate teams.

In addition to the many Emirati sportspersons, the MKC Ramadan is attracting people in Fujairah and the UAE from an increasing number of nationalities.

A diverse group has been drawn together to organize the various facets of the sporting tournament. A new Maktoum Championships website www.mkc.ae is already providing fresh information and photos and the Fujairah and UAE media will be invited together to be briefed on the new features of the MKC Ramadan.

A booklet has been produced for prospective sponsors providing information on the different ways individuals and companies might invest in this significant event for Fujairah and the United Arab Emirates.

Brochures and registration forms will be appearing soon but people requiring information may call Maktoum Championships on this number—0509892000.

Two of the Honorary Committee members have accompanied the MKC10 team—Mr. Salem Al Zahmi, Crown Prince Office Manager and Captain Musa Murad, Director General of the Fujairah Port.

MKC is privileged in having the honorary decision-making members to guide the Organizing Committee in planning the Championships in the most proper manner.

The MKC Ramadan Organizing Committee is comprised of Mr. Nasser Al Yamahi (Chairman), Mr. Sharief Al Awadhi (Vice Chairman), Ms. Fatma Yousuf (Chair of Media) Mr. Tariq Abdulla (Admin & Finance), Mr. Ross Brown (Championships Manager), Colonel Abdulraman Aldhanhani (Chair of Security), Mr. Rashid Al Kindi (Chair of Public Relations) and Mr. Geoff Pound (MKC Media Consultant).

The visitors were grateful to the Crown Prince for his practical support and the trust that he has bestowed upon them.

Note
This is the Official Press Statement following the meeting with the Crown Prince and it is intended for immediate release on 8 June 2010.

Further
Fujairah Tennis Club Gets Biggest Challenge in Scoring Maktoum Championships, Fujairah in Focus, 7 June 2010.

Maktoum Championships Plan New Sports for Ramadan Tournament in Fujairah, Fujairah in Focus, 4 June 2010.

Maktoum Championships—Facebook Page for up to the minute information, photos and video clips.

Find Fujairah in Focus on Facebook for much more information, links and photos on Fujairah.

Geoff Pound

Connect with Geoff Pound on Facebook, Twitter or at geoffpound(at)gmail.com

Image: The Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, with members of the Maktoum Championships—Ramadan Tournament Organizing Team.