BAHRAIN, 14 March 2006 — Following the success of the last soccer tournament in which several expatriate teams took part, the Gulf Air Club is set to host the second multinational soccer tournament this year.
To be held during the second half of March, the tournament is open to all expatriates whether living and working in Bahrain or elsewhere. An all-Bahraini team will also be taking part in the tournament.
“This year the tournament is being held under ‘the world is one country’ theme, says Head of Sports Committee Ahmed Al Banna.
“The tournament aims to bring together all expatriates promoting harmony, friendship and brotherhood among the multi-cultural and multiethnic communities in Bahrain,” he said, adding that Gulf Air as a leading pan-Arab airline connecting the Middle East and the rest of the world is proud to host this event.
Expatriates, who are interested in participating in the tournament, are encouraged to form a team of 15 players representing one particular country. There are no restrictions to the number of teams from one country.
A nominal fee of 50 Bahraini dinars is charged per team to cover the cost of professional referee’s fee, a dinner reception for all and a raffle ticket for each player.
The winning team will receive the tournament cup sponsored by Gulf Air.
“Teams from more than eight countries took part in the last tournament and the Saudi team was the winner while the Moroccan team was the runner-up,” says Gulf Air Club Manager Yousif Alatif.
“We’re expecting more than one team from each country this time. Some teams have already registered for the tournament and more enquiries are being received every day. We encourage expatriates, either individually or jointly representing a club or a company, to come forward and register. The only condition is that each team should represent one particular nation.”
Individuals and teams interested in registering their names can get in touch with Al Banna at [email protected] or Alatif at [email protected].
