Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support (UAETSS) signed five agreements to enroll a new group of young athletes into its modern sailing training and rehabilitation programs.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreements, signed in collaboration with the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, aim to identify, nurture, and prepare emerging talents to strengthen the UAE's competitiveness in specialised marine sports. The agreements enlist Khalifa Ahmed Al Rumaithi, Hamad Fahad Meshal Al Muhairi, Zayed Omar Rajab Al Hosani, Cornelia Bayonk, and Gian Herve, each set to receive systematic training and development support to aid their progression towards elite-level competitions.
The initiative is part of the Committee's 'Pathway for Sports Champion' program, which seeks to expand the national talent pool, diversify areas of sporting excellence, and create sustainable pathways for athlete development. By providing tailored comprehensive programs, the athletes will gain the skills and experience needed to succeed at professional and international levels in modern sailing.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the UAETSS, signed the agreements alongside the athletes' parents.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan noted that the five agreements mark an important milestone in identifying and developing national talents. He emphasized their role in building a new generation of champions capable of representing the UAE on regional and international stages. Sheikh Ahmed commended the Ministry of Sports' ongoing support for initiatives that enhance the national sports ecosystem and highlighted the Committee's role in fostering an environment where athletes can thrive. He also acknowledged the crucial role of parents as key partners in athlete development.
Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum stated this step reflects the Committee's commitment to identifying and nurturing talented athletes across various sports, in collaboration with its partners. He emphasized the development of an integrated pathway to develop champions from an early age through comprehensive, long-term programs. His Excellency stated that these initiatives offer necessary training, technical, and administrative support to assist athletes in realizing their potential, progressing towards professional standards, and representing the UAE globally, while contributing to the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031.
He further noted that the agreements will bolster efforts to develop future talents in modern sailing, empowering young athletes in these specialized disciplines and enhancing the UAE's overall athletic competitiveness. The athletes will receive comprehensive support packages, including access to world-class training facilities, customized individual training programs, participation in local and international training camps, and opportunities to compete in official championships with full administrative support.
The Committee balances training requirements and academic performance, aligning with the UAE's vision of developing well-rounded athletes. All athletes will be regularly monitored by experts and certified coaches, supported by national cadres, using transparent, science-based evaluation mechanisms meeting international standards.
