JEDDAH, 21 January 2007 — For the first time ever, Jeddah’s Masters Academy for Fencing and Martial Arts is offering a fencing course for people aged 25 entitled “Fencing For Fun.” So far 22 people are participating in the course, which will begin on Jan. 27 for a month. The cost of the course is SR300.
Three one hour sessions will run each week from between 8 and 9pm. In celebration of the new Islamic year, the first week is free for interested people
“Based on scientific methods to excite people to join the game we are offering this course. We also want the older ones to be part of this traditional sport,” said Omar Abu Romia, one of the coaches. To register call 02-6074982.
Mokhallad Al-Otaibi Undergoes Surgery
The international athlete Mokhallad Al-Otaibi, who was injured during training for the 15th Asian Games, underwent surgery on Monday. Professor Salim Al-Zahrani, who carried out the surgery, said Al-Otaibi would recover within six months. Al-Otaibi was the first athlete to win a gold medal for his Saudi Arabia in 2002 in Busan at the 5,000m and 10, 000m events at the 14th Asian Games.
Al-Otaibi thanked Prince Nawaf ibn Faisal, deputy-president of the Saudi Youth Welfare, for taking care of all expenses and medication in treating him.
The prince commented that he was proud to finally see local doctors who are experienced in carrying out such surgeries.
Athletics Championship for Clubs
The Kingdom’s Youth Athletics Championship for Clubs ended on Thursday with 20 clubs participating in the event. First place went to Damk Club who won 131 points, Safa came second with 111 points, Al-Ittihad came third with 68 points and Al-Khaleej came fourth with 65 points. The championship included the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 3,000m marathon races, the 400m and 110m hurdles, 5km race walking, various relays, pole vaulting, the high jump, the long jump, the triple jump, javelin throwing, the hammer throw, the shot put and discus throwing.
