Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, on Sunday honoured 541 outstanding athletes and sportspersons representing the national sports federations for their achievements in 2017.
Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, was honoured with the title of the Sports Personality for 2017 in recognition of his contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, which witnessed impressive progress thanks to his directives and initiatives.
At a glittering awards ceremony at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Mansour honoured hundreds of UAE top sports achievers, including athletes, sports federations, veteran officials, businessmen, dignitaries and referees.
Recognising achievers
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Major General Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, said the 12th edition of the awards ceremony reflect the keenness of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to recognise outstanding sports achievers and support the sporting landscape in the country.
He thanked Shaikh Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their unlimited support for the sports sector in the country and their ongoing efforts to develop it.
He thanked Shaikh Mansour for honouring the winners and his support for all sporting initiatives and congratulated Shaikh Nahyan for his honour of being named the Sports Personality of the Year.
Shaikh Mansour honoured the sponsors of the Sports Talent Fund, which was established in February to support Emirati sporting talent, with the participation of businessmen and individuals.
He honoured the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), which was represented by Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of Adnoc as a key sponsor of the fund.
Other sponsors honoured included Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, Al Waha Capital, Dolphin Energy, Senaat General Holding, and many other companies and corporates.
Shaikh Mansour also honoured Adviser Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Ahmad Nasser Al Fardan, Dr Ahmad Al Sayyed Al Hashemi, and Mohammad Khalifa Balhoul.
He also honoured the families of athletes with special needs who died this year. He honoured the families of Abdullah Hassan Rashid and Shaikha Ali Mohammad Khalfan Al Naqbi.
