Hassani and Faber shine at NAS Night Challenge

dubai — Billed as “The Challenge of Happiness”, the NAS Night Challenge did indeed live up to its tag.

With Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, and Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, the Commander-inChief of Dubai Police, among its attendees, and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Ajman’s Tourism Development Department, and Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director general of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), among its participants, the Night Challenge was a huge success, fulfilling its purpose of spreading cheer ahead of Tuesday’s International Day of Happiness.

Organised by Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the two-day Challenge around the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex attracted more than 1,100 enthusiasts with Abu Dhabi policeman Mohammed Al Hassani bagging the top honours in the men’s individual category, clocking 27 minutes and 46 seconds across the 5km and 12-obstacle course.

Croatia’s Tea Faber (40:30) topped the women’s individual category, while Dubai Police (47:29) took the winner’s cheque in the women’s team event and Spartan KFN (30:49) finished first in the mixed team event.

Speaking on the occasion, Saeed Hareb, secretary general of DSC, said: “The Dubai Sports Council had organised the NAS Night Challenge to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, and we are happy to see so many people come out and participate. “We are always looking to organise community events like these, in accordance with the directives of our wise leadership, bringing together the different sections of our diverse community and allowing them to experience the thrill of competition. Sports and physical activity are a source of happiness and positive energy.”

Nasser Aman Al Rahma, the assistant secretary general of DSC, added: “We are delighted to have so many people, of different age and nationalities, participate in the challenge.

“We are really fortunate that we live in a country where the sports sector is supported by a leadership that is not only supportive and caring, but also encourage members of the community to participate in sporting events and adopt physical activity as part of their lifestyle.”