Keep fit this summer with Abu Dhabi Sports Festival
abu dhabi — Abu Dhabi Sports Festival, a 54-day event organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) began on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
Titled ‘Stay active, stay healthy’, the festival has lined up activities for adults as well as children of all ages. The festival, in its second year, aims to urge people to see sports activities as an essential aspect of healthy lifestyle. A dedicated kids summer camp also runs on the sidelines of the festival.
Four football pitches, two badminton and volleyball courts, one basketball full court and two half courts, six table tennis tables and a big area allocated to the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation await the festival-goers. The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation offers demos and cricket coaching sessions are given by trainers from the Zayed Cricket Academy at the festival venue.
The kids’ package include bungee trampoline, acroball, jungle land, zip line and gyroscope.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, secretarygeneral of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the aim of such an initiative is to make sports activities part of everyone’s daily lives. “This summer vacation for schools is a great opportunity to hone skills of new generation. Air-conditioned environment like a stadium makes it an ideal place for families.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of Adnec, said that the festival had 10 per cent more space allocated compared to last year. “More than 22,000sqm is dedicated for the festival. We expect a good turnout from all sections of the society. We will welcome visitors till the end of August.”
General admission is free and Adnec Hall No. 9 is open from 10am to 10pm. The rates for sports sessions range between Dh15 to Dh250 and bookings can be made on www.adsf2017.ae.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com