Al-Rumaithi: We hope that our athletes will always be in the forefront

His Excellency Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the General Authority for Sports, praised the excellent organization of the Arab Chess Tournament which is currently held at the Sharjah Chess Cultural Club with the participation of 250 players from 17 countries, confirming the UAE's place in the hearts of the Arab brothers, stressing that UAE is always in the lead in hosting sport events in various games on the global, continental, Arab and Gulf level. He said it is no surprise that this tournament coincided with many other events in Sharjah, or in other emirates of the country. His Excellency Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al-Rumaithi said: "The Arab Chess Olympiad, is one of the most important tournaments in the Arab sports arena, especially with Sharjah Cultural Club, who has a great track record in organizing chess tournaments. I thank its supervisors for their efforts and for inviting me to open the eighth round. "I wish success to all, and we congratulate the team who will win the Zayed Cup." He added: "Today, we are all racing to present an initiative related to the late founder of this country, Sheikh Zayed, and all institutions should honor this name which is precious to all our hearts and for the Sharjah Cultural Club for Chess to assign Shaikh Zayed name to its highest award. His Excellency Maj. Gen. Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi expressed his optimism about the UAE sport in the coming stage, he added: "We aspire to have our athletes always in the lead, but sport is based on the principle of winning and losing. We must work to develop ourselves so that we achieve the required achievements. There are a lot of challenges we have to face, the task is not easy, and at the same time it is not impossible. I hope that the Board of Directors of the Authority, which will be formed soon, will succeed in developing the clear strategy of the UAE sport and provide support to all the federations. God willing, we will be able to return to our sport that has gradually disappeared to the forefront again and I am optimistic about the future especially with the stand and support from our wise leadership, morally and materially, and thanks to our efforts, seriousness and patience and goodwill of all, we will succeed in the task”. His Excellency General Mohammed Khalfan Al-Rumaithi affirmed his support for the nomination of Sheikh Saud Al-Mu’alla, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural Club, to the presidency of the Arab Chess Federation and said "We support all our cadres who are running for sports positions on the Arab, Gulf, continental and international levels because these positions are not honorary ones but a reflection of the development of our administrative competencies in the UAE, and we wish Sheikh Saud Al-Mu’alla, success, he will receive from us and all the support, because in the end the position is considered for the country.