Second GCC beach games start Thursday

Regional athletes will compete for top honours in eight sport disciplines at the Second GCC Beach Games opening here Thursday.
Around 300 sportspersons will be competing in the eight-day multi sports event, organisers said.
Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said "Beach Games is still a relatively young concept on the international sporting calendar. By staging this event we aim to raise the profile of beach sports in Qatar, across the GCC and internationally in order to inspire greater participation." Qatar's top sports facilities and ideal conditions present an excellent opportunity to showcase beach sports to new audiences, he added.
GCC Beach Games Executive Director Khalid Hamad Al Mohannadi said the multi-sporting event featuring seven disciplines will be held at three venues in Doha.
Al Gharafa Sports Club will be the venue for volleyball, handball, football and 3x3 basketball events. Katara Cultural Village will be the venue for swimming, rowing and sailing.
"All the federations are working together for the event," said Al Mohannadi. "Arrangements for GCC Beach Games are on track and we hope it will be a huge success." Sudaifi is named mascot for the second GCC Beach Games, he added.
Senior officials from Asian Rowing Federation (ARF) toured sailing and rowing venues here yesterday. Director of Rowing events and Assistant Secretary General of Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (QSRF) Hassan Abdullah brief the ARF delegation on technical arrangements.
Source: QNA