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26
March 2001
The
top-level cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UK in sport was
highlighted recently by the Deputy President of the General Presidency
for Youth Welfare Saleh bin Nasser, during the 10th Joint
Higher Committee meeting held recently in London. Attended by senior
officials from the British Foreign Commonwealth office, together with
the sport MoU Committees from both countries, the main focus of the
four-day was to review previous activities – and to plan the events
programme for the forthcoming year.
These
activities are held as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote sport
cooperation, in an initiative coordinated by the General Presidency of
Youth Welfare, and assisted by BAE SYSTEMS.
During
the meeting Saleh bin Nasser, Director of the General Presidency for
Youth Welfare commented on the growing success of the MoU for Sports and
Youth Welfare stating, “There were a record number of implemented
activities last year. The programme is proving to be a valuable vehicle
in providing the means for young sportsmen and coaching bodies to
develop a better understanding of each other.” Peter Waddell from BAE
SYSTEMS added “Undoubtedly, the eventual outcome will be an overall
improvement in sporting achievement and great strides in improving the
long- term capabilities and career prospects of Saudi and British
sportsmen.”
Saudi
British sports agreement set for even greater levels of cooperation
After
the review it was agreed that this year’s events will focus on a wider
range of academic and sporting activities than ever before. This
includes a new MSc course in sports medicine, further development of
sports coaches education programmes, Olympic activities and support for
disabled sportsmen and coaches through the Saudi Disabled Federation.
Other
activities includes cycling tours, basketball and football tournaments,
visiting teams taking part in friendly triathlon and athletics events,
volleyball, fencing, tennis, table tennis, squash, gymnastics,
equestrian events, and general physical education programmes.
A
selection of specialist workshops will also take place – bringing
together experts from both sides who will exchange ideas and provide
lectures and seminars on a specific subjects including sports injuries
and doping.
The
overall programme is wide ranging and includes a UK media visit for
Arabic/English speaking journalists interested in sports, along with
youth cultural exchanges to foster the friendly bonds amongst the youth
of both countries.
BAE
SYSTEMS is the name of the new company formed by the November 1999
merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems. The company
employs more than 2,200 Saudi Nationals in-Kingdom and also assists in
supporting and promoting a range of activities. These include the MoU
for Sport and Youth Welfare between the UK and the Saudi Arabia General
Presidency of Youth Welfare.
- Ends -
Issued
on behalf of BAE SYSTEMS’ Public Relations. For further information
please contact Damian James on 02 672 2276; fax: 02 676 0597; e-mail: djames@hillandknowlton.com.sa.
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