JEDDAH, 8 December 2004 — Twelve countries are participating in the 4th Jeddah International Skydiving Championship, which begins at the air sports site on King Abdul Aziz Road, North Jeddah, at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Jeddah Governor Prince Misha’al will preside the inaugural ceremony at 4 p.m. The championship will continue for 10 days.
The champion will receive prizes including Prince Abdul Majeed Cup, a gold medal and cash, Championship Manager Mubarak Al-Suwailem, Capt. Ahmed M. Al-Juhani, executive director of Saudi Aviation Club, and Raed A. Al-Murbati, general manager of National Events, told a joint press conference at Red Sea Palace Hotel yesterday.
Al-Suwailem said participating countries include six Arab countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Oman and Syria, aside from Saudi Arabia, and five Asian countries — Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia and Brunei. Spain is the only European country among the participants. The Kingdom will have three teams of jumpers.
Al-Suwailem referred to the support given by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, who is also the secretary general of the Supreme Commission of Tourism. “The support extended by both Prince Abdul Majeed and prince Misha’al to national sports activities in general and the skydiving championship in particular has been exemplary,” he said. This is an event of international importance and highlights the Kingdom’s leading position in the exciting and daring sport of skydiving, he added.
The championship, which is officially recognized by the FAI and ASIANIA, comprises three types of event. They include formation competition and accuracy of landing for teams, and individual competitions. Additionally, there are support activities such as balloon flying and remote control cars.
Each country-participant will be represented by a delegation consisting of a head, an international judge, a coach, five jumpers for the team contests, and five jumpers for the individual contests, Al-Murbati said. The winning team in the accuracy of landing competition will receive the Prince Abdul Majeed Cup. Each team member will also get a gold medal. Each member of the team placed second will receive a silver medal. The team winning third will be presented with bronze medals. All three winners will also be given cash prizes.
Explaining the rules of the team accuracy competition, Al-Suwailem said the participating team would be required to perform a 2,500-foot jump according to the flight plan over the target area. All participating jumpers should have a series D skydiving certificate and undertaken 200 jumps, and must follow the rules and regulations of the championship as issued by the organizing committee.
Participating jumpers have been asked to bring their own gear, which is subject to investigation and clearance by the organizing committee whose ruling will be final and binding on all teams.
“The goal of the championship is to demonstrate the Kingdom’s sports capabilities and achievements in skydiving, highlight the achievements of the Saudi Aviation Club and its activities at international level, and enable sky divers to meet their colleagues from other countries, exchange ideas and develop their skills,” Saudi Aviation Club Executive Director Capt. Ahmed M. Al-Juhani said. The closing ceremony will be marked by the distribution of prizes at 4 p.m. on Dec. 17.
Ng Wei Khian of the eight-member Singapore team said seven of the members were participating in an international competition for the first time. “We’re taking part in the formation team competition and hope to do well,” he said.
Oman, Syria and Morocco teams won the first three places at the 3rd Jeddah International Skydiving Championship held last year. First three individual championships were won by Oman, Morocco and Syria respectively.
