Sheikh Joaan opens inaugural ANOC World Beach Games
Published: 13 Oct 2019 - 08:06 am | Last Updated: 18 Nov 2021 - 01:39 pm
The President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declaring the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 open at an impressive opening ceremony at Katara Amphitheatre, yesterday.
The President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday declared the first edition of ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 open at an impressive opening ceremony at Katara Amphitheatre.
“I declare the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 open and I wish all the athletes success,” H E Sheikh Joaan said as he opened the six-day event.
Among a large number of enthusiasts, who attended the ceremony, Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, ANOC Acting President Robin Mitchell, national Olympic committees chairpersons, and other guests were also present.
The opening ceremony that lasted for over an hour showcased traditional Qatari culture amusing hundreds of athletes from 97 countries in a gloriously choreographed evening of entertainment.
Several child artists also participated in the ceremony, wowing the visitors with their exceptional talent.
Earlier, QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee and Director-General of Local Organising Committee of Qatar 2019 World Beach Games, welcomed all the athletes for the inaugural event.
The opening ceremony of the 1st ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 in progress at the Amphitheater of Katara Cultural Village, yesterday. Picture: Laurel Photo Services
“On behalf of the Local Organising Committee of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019, we welcome you to the State of Qatar. This is the first time these Games are being hosted in our country and the region. We embrace this opportunity because it brings nations, athletes and fans closer together in sport,” said Al Buainain.
“We also believe that such events nurture greater cultural exchange, understanding and harmony. The State of Qatar considers sport in its various forms, a pillar of its current and future sustainability.
Key among our areas of focus are the development of sporting infrastructure, talent, skills and knowledge. We hope these games will contribute to the enduring global legacy of these sporting disciplines, and thank ANOC for their trusted cooperation, and also thank all who contributed to the organisation of these Games,” the QOC Secretary-General added.
While the ceremony provided the formal launch to proceedings, the Games has already hosted two days of world-class action with yesterday’s competitions following on from Friday’s quality opening day.
Over 1,200 athletes from 97 countries are competing in 14 disciplines at the first ANOC World Beach Games, which will continue till October 16. Europe has the largest representation with 35 countries fielding athletes, while 21 countries from Asia and 19 from the Americas are also taking part. A total of 17 countries from Africa and five from Oceania are also vying for medals.
