by Ali Omar, Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai Tournament Director
In the afterglow of the 4th annual Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2014 I would like to thank those involved and reiterate the importance the event has on the region. Not just in Dubai, but all of the Emirate’s residents are very fond of the exercise of sports activities at beaches. This sentiment has been ongoing and the events’ continued success is more than proof of that. It is great to have one success but it is spectacular to maintain the remarkable track record of this Championship. The continued success of this event has proved that the consistency has helped to breed the prolonged prosperity that the Intercontinental is well-known for.
The ideal climate, being centrally located on the globe, and having a warm and very international culture sets Dubai as a distinctive beach soccer destination. We will boost collaboration with the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee to attain common goals in hopes of hosting more and more great championships in the future, such as the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, to go along with the current local and international championships that have already been launched. Dubai has been instrumental in demonstrating the growth of the sport year after year, as the initial achievements have grown exponentially, proving that beach soccer is here to stay.
The organization has been remarkable between the Dubai Sports Council and the city and the FIFA Beach Soccer and Beach Soccer Worldwide teams, not just in promoting the event but also in developing beach soccer in general. This year even more thanks are due as there was another groundbreaking first that took place in Dubai; the Beach Soccer Stars 2014. It was a successful inaugural event which combined the Dubai Sports Council, the athletes and coaches, as well as the officials and prominent figures in the sport. Among the many accomplishments on the night, being awarded the best event of the year encourages us to keep working to build an even bigger event next season, which we know we will.
Once again, it was a pleasure to be involved in the event and I want to express my gratitude for the continued support from Samsung and Power Horse. A special thanks is due to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai & Chairman of DSC, for their unwavering trust and generous support.
