Gov Games to instill team spirit, feeling of oneness

He has impressed us yet again. After the successful 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge last year — aimed at motivating residents to take up physical activity to transform Dubai into the most active city in the world — Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, has now launched Gov Games for government employees for three days next month. While the Fitness Challenge — a first of its kind — was aimed at the residents of the UAE, the Gov Games will see male and female teams from government departments pitted against each other not just to test and showcase their physical abilities but also their problem-solving skills and mental agility. Another first of its kind fitness initiative, the challenge will see 50 teams including those from the Federal Government compete with each other in the true spirit of sportsmanship to win two prizes of Dh1 million each. As envisioned, teamwork will be the backbone of the games.

Dubai has been at the forefront when it comes to innovation. And fitness has been a strategy adopted by the government to ensure not just better productivity, but also camaraderie among residents and employees at every level. Sheikh Hamdan, who has a penchant for sports, including adventure, is well aware of its therapeutic nature and its potential to instill positivity in the workplace, at homes and the country as a whole. The leaders of this nation also have the vision to understand that teamwork is vital for the success of a company. And when this feeling of oneness permeates, then that is a sure-fire recipe for a successful and happy country. Such initiatives are also a reminder to the world of the progressive nature of the UAE, the unique principles the country adopts to make it the perfect place for people from all over the world to live in peace. This speaks of the innovations the UAE proposes in order to generate a physically and mentally agile set of people, and of the benevolent policies the leaders emphasise on along with the trimmings to ensure that the people of this welfare state — both nationals and expats alike — lead happy lives.