UAE youngsters excel at rugby festival
dubai — Thousands of talented schoolchildren from across the UAE gathered at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai over the weekend to take part in two days of thrilling competition at the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai 2017.
The rugby extravaganza saw over 220 teams battle it out for glory, contesting 30 age group trophies in a competitive and lively atmosphere.
Amongst the youthful and enthusiastic youngsters taking part were a record number of local Emirati children, with the UAE Rugby Federation using the event as the yearly culmination and highpoint of the acclaimed player pathway programme.
Supporting and guiding the rookie players from the sidelines of the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai was England international and HSBC ambassador Alex Goode.
“This is my first time in the UAE and it is brilliant to see such passion and desire amongst young rugby players. The kids here have such a determination and hunger to improve, a positive outlook that makes my job — to instill an interest in this sport — very easy indeed.”
When asked about how important events like the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai are to grow the game of rugby he continued:
“I don’t think you can underestimate how important events like this HSBC Rugby Festival are for this sport. Tournaments like this, focussed on the kids, provide the perfect platform for any young player, from any background, to mature, enhance and showcase their skills. It’s fantastic to see the sport developing in new regions and opening doors to all those who want to give it a go.”
David Kotheimer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd, said: “Grassroots sport is something extremely close to my heart and the HSBC Rugby Festival Dubai is an event I always enjoy due to its exceptional qualities, exciting competition and unrivalled family atmosphere.”
The event took place on Friday 27 and Saturday at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai.
sports@khaleejtimes.com