July 12, 2021/ Socotra Online
Reporting and Photography: Ahmed Jamaan -Ibrahim Youssef -Arif Abdo -Saeed Bu Wazir
The Fifth Edition of Sheikh Zayed Football Championship in Socotra was launched yesterday at the Sheikh Zayed City 1 stadium in Satorah. The 18 Socotra clubs were divided into 4 groups.
During the launch ceremony, which was attended by figures from the local and governorate authorities, officials and members of the Football Association in Socotra, heads of sports clubs, sheikhs, dignitaries, social figures and a large gathering of fans, the President of the Southern Transitional Council in Socotra Governorate Raafat Al-Thaqali stressed the importance of the championship in revitalizing the sports sector, highlighting youth capabilities in the football arena and encouraging them to practice sports. As a positive behavior to preserve their health, he praised the efforts of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works for its generous support to the sports sector to advance it to a better reality by organizing a number of competitions, qualifying programs and material and moral support.
For his part, the Senior Undersecretary of Socotra Governorate, Raed Al-Juraibi, indicated that the launch of the Fifth Edition of Sheikh Zayed Championship was a great tributary for clubs to activate their activities and create a distinguished football competition to obtain advanced positions in the tournament. He also commended the support of the brothers in the UAE for the youth and sports sectors in the governorate, which would be considered as an important support to maintain this important segment.
Sultan Ali bin Essa bin Afrar, Head of Development Committee, conveyed the greetings of His Excellency Khalfan Al Mazrouei, General Representative of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to all those present at the opening of the Fifth Edition of the Sheikh Zayed Football Championship. He pointed out that Khalifa Foundation was keen to support this championship on an annual basis along with the comprehensive program prepared by the sports activity department in Khalifa Foundation.
Ahmed Hazoum, Head of the Football Association, welcomed all those present at the opening of the tournament, stressing that the Fifth Edition of Sheikh Zayed Championship, which would be considered as one of the tournaments that has resonance and importance to the participants and the public. He commended the support of Khalifa Foundation to the Football Association and Sports Clubs in maintaining its interest in the youth segment and the continuous athletes in organizing various tournaments and activities.
