Sports officials ‘Performance Agreement’ is a quantum leap to raise level of performance and governance in sports federations

The performance agreement signed between the General Authority of Sports (GAS), National Olympic Committee and the federations of the five priority sports including archery, judo, shooting, fencing and athletics, marks a significant milestone in the partnership process between the various sports sector entities. According to sports officials, the agreement is well positioned to transform the sports federations, in line with its goal to raise the level of performance and corporate governance to increase the participation of national teams in international sporting events in accordance with the National Strategy for Sports 2031 and to solidify the presence of female athletes in sports.

His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports, said: “The General Authority of sports is committed to reinforce the framework of partnership and cooperation with all sports entities to create a better future for the entire sports sector. The performance agreement we signed with the National Olympic Committee and priority sports federations comes as part of our efforts to support all sports federations strategically and financially in their development on technical and administrative levels. This is agreement is a step towards the launch of the ‘Accelerate the Transformation of Sports Federation’ project, that seeks to support the shift from a fixed financing mechanism to a performance-based financing mechanism to enhance Emirati sports and enhance their competitiveness and presence internationally and at the Olympics, in line with the National Sports Strategy 2031.”

“The Authority seeks to continuously coordinate with its partners through the performance agreement, develop long-term plans for all sports federations and give them the support they require, in order to develop the talent discovery mechanism and empowerment, further continuing to supply national sports teams with young talents who can attain great success in sports. Our activities align with the visions and aspirations of our wise leadership that seeks to improve the reputation of the UAE in both regional and international level,” he added.  

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum, President of the Emirates Shooting Federation, said: “The performance agreement signifies a new approach of cooperation between the General Authority of Sports, the National Olympic Committee and other sports federations. It aims to raise the status of various sports in international levels and particularly reflect the increasing demand for practicing shooting sports, which increases its chance to be part of national, international and Olympic sports forums.”

Sheikh Eng. Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the President of the Asian, Arab and Emirati Fencing Federations, said: “In order efficiently implement the National Sports Strategy 2031 and accomplish its objectives throughout the following phase, all national organisations, institutions and sports federations must work together. Through this, we can ensure a bright future for fencing and we are making a lot of effort to accomplish greater advancement for this sport. In order to realise the goals set forth by our wise leadership, we must also invest in human capital. By doing so, we can help create a generation that keeps up with modern sports and upholds the UAE’s flag in sporting venues.”

His Excellency Mohammed bin Thaloub Al-Darai, the President of the UAE Judo Federation, commended on the pioneering role played by both the General Authority for Sports and the National Olympic Committee to support the UAE sports in general and judo in particular, which is a reflection of the interest of the wise leadership on the Emirati sports sector and making it one of the top priorities.

His Excellency said: “The performance agreement between the three parties strengthens the fundamentals of effective sports management and institutional governance at the Emirates Judo Federation.  It aims to ensure commitment to implement the federation's strategic plans and programs, which has received support, attention and sponsorship from the government sports entities to raise the status of Emirati sports and create a vibrant environment that supports the development of the nation.”

On his behalf, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Mur, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, applauded the pivotal role played by the General Authority for Sports and the National Olympic Committee and their eagerness to improve the status of Emirati sports through a performance agreement with priority sports federations, which will support in accomplishing the objectives of the National Sports  Strategy 2031 and reinforce the nation’s position across multiple local, regional, and global sporting platforms.

His Excellency Al Mur said: “The General Authority of Sports and the National Olympic Committee has made outstanding efforts to create a comprehensive and cutting-edge positive environment, adopt the most up-to-date administrative work procedures and simultaneously work to improve opportunities and capabilities for athletes and teams to compete in a variety of sports events. In addition, by implementing well-researched plans, programs and projects in accordance with best practices, sports federations, like the Athletics Federation, can improve their performance and governance, ensuring a sustainable future that will enhance athletics and boost the UAE’s reputation in a variety of fields across the globe.”

Dr. Saeed Musabah Al Kaabi, President of the UAE Archery Federation, confirmed that the performance agreement signed between the General Authority of Sports and the National Olympic Committee reinforces the foundations, principles and visions of the partnership between the three parties as per the National Sports Agenda and National Sports Strategy 2031. This agreement intends to promote Emirati participation in various international archery tournaments, including the Olympic Games, and to create a worldwide reputation for the sport in the UAE as well as identify potential athletes.

In addition, His Excellency commended the efforts of the National Olympic Committee, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the President of the National Olympic Committee, in promoting national sporting goals throughout a variety of disciplines. He also praised the relentless efforts of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, the Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, in introducing constructive initiatives and projects to support the development of sports by leveraging the skills of the younger generations and maximising their hidden potential, as well as polish player skills, organise development workshops and provide hands-on training for administrative and technical staff in order to advance the UAE’s leading sports endeavours.