Dubai Games Promote Health

The Dubai Games, originally launched to promote healthy living among public sector workers in the emirate, has expanded into a global competition, according to its organizers.

This year, nearly 60 international teams are participating in the Battle of the Cities category alone—more than double last year’s number.

Overall, 244 teams have entered the event, which was attended on Friday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.

“Dubai continues to set an inspiring example for an active and health-conscious society that embraces sports as a way of life,” Sheikh Hamdan said through the Dubai Government Media Office.

“We remain dedicated to fostering a culture where sports and an active lifestyle are deeply embedded in everyday life, constantly fostering the community’s well-being.”

Competitors from cities such as Colorado, St. Louis, Houston, Moscow, Paris, London, Oxford, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen are facing off against participants from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Kuwait, and other Arab cities.

This diverse range highlights the growing international significance of the event, which was previously known as the Gov Games.

“Our mission is to bring the world together,” said Marwan bin Essa, director of the Dubai Games.

“The surge in participation reflects an increasing desire among international teams to join this world-class sporting spectacle. The demand is really high, with 10 teams on the waiting list.”

The event also includes various categories such as the Battle of the Government, which features 84 men’s teams and 28 women’s teams, Battle of the Community with 28 local teams, and Battle of the Juniors with 56 youth teams.

“This diverse structure underscores our commitment to uniting different segments of society under the shared values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship,” added bin Essa.

Participants take on events like the Burj Challenge, involving a climb up Burj Khalifa’s 163 floors, as well as obstacle courses designed to test speed, endurance, and agility.

The competition offers over Dh3.1 million in prizes, with Dh500,000 awarded to the winners of the Government, Community, and Cities categories.

"This is one of the best competitions in the world,” said Beth Lodge from Team Oxford.

“The set-up is incredible, and competing against so many international teams is a unique experience.

For us, the focus is on performing well and enjoying the event, more than just winning.

Our team’s background in gymnastics, parkour, rock climbing, running, and obstacle racing gives us confidence that our versatility will be an advantage.”

Leon Andersen from Team Copenhagen, which is aiming for its third straight win, said, “We don’t plan to find out what losing feels like.

We’re aiming for a hat-trick. The obstacles look even better this year, emphasizing the motto ‘one team, one spirit,’ which truly defines these games.

We’re a group of six close friends, and having trust in your teammates is key.”

Hallvard Borsheim, from Team Dubai, composed of Emiratis and residents, expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s the most thrilling time of the year.

It’s not just about the competition day, but also about the months spent training together. That embodies the Games’ mission of uniting people.”

The Dubai Games are being held at Dubai Festival City and will run until Sunday, February 23.

Source: thenationalnews

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