HM King Hamad attends Children’s
endurance race of the
National Day Endurance Championship

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa,  Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Honourary President of the Bahrain Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) expressed utmost thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain for his continued sponsorship and support to the equestrian sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain and his constant follow-up to "Al Anjal" race which is part of the National Day Endurance Championship, held in the Bahrain International Endurance Village. The Championship is sponsored by Batelco and organised by BREEF.

HH Shaikh Nasser’s children, HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa,
HH Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa

HH Shaikh Nasser pointed out that HM the King's support confirms HM's keenness to back this sport and boost the confidence among the young participants who compete in the "Al Anjal" race. "The Royal follow-up to the race fuels our optimism for a great future for our endurance sport. It will also inspire many young people to participate in this sport," HH Shaikh Nasser said.

"Al Anjal race has delivered all the objectives we listed ahead of the event, especially encouraging youngsters and developing confidence among them," he added, before further stating: "We are keen to support our children to participate in this sport because we have a future vision to enable the endurance sport to succeed. We are keen to provide full support to them."

Meanwhile, HH Shaikh Nasser praised Batelco's sponsorship to the event, expressing appreciation to the company for its support to the Championship. He also applauded Manarat Al Bahrain company's initiative to reward the winners with cash prizes.

It's worth noting that HH Shaikh Nasser crowned all the participants in the "Al Anjal" race. This gesture stemmed from HH's keenness to encourage the youngsters and provide full support to them. The 30-participant list includes HH Shaikh Nasser’s children, HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in addition to 27 male and female jockeys from local stables participated in the 20-kilometre race.

HM King Hamad congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance during the race which witnessed fierce competition, praising Bahraini boys and girls who participate in such competitions aimed at preserving the equestrian sport in Bahrain; and lauded the tremendous efforts exerted by HH Shaikh Nasser to develop the endurance sport so as to reach the highest levels, as part of efforts to preserve such a deep-rooted Bahraini and Arab heritage game.

Source and photos: HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamada Al-Khalifa Media Office & Information Center