Yemen hosts official Guangzhou Asian Games Fun Run 02-09-2007

Over 500 children from Sana’a sprinted to the finish line at the main stadium in Al Thawrah Sports Complex today as part of the 2nd official Guangzhou Asian Games Fun Run.  The Fun Run celebrated sport in Asia and highlighted the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010.

Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the NOC of Yemen, children from all ages were invited to participate in the event. Each entrant received a limited edition Guangzhou Asian Games Fun Run T-shirt and cap, as well as a certificate upon completion of the run.

“The runs are being held to promote and spread the message of the Guangzhou Asian Games in the region and to also promote development, understanding and friendship throughout the continent,” said H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah, President of the OCA.

The 2 KM run in Sana’a is part of a series of official Asian Games Fun Runs which are taking place throughout countries across Asia and the Middle East over the next four years to promote the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010.

The fun run started at 4:00 PM with a speech by Mr. Liu Jiangnan, Deputy Secretary-General of GAGOC who welcomed all the participants and wished them good luck in the fun run.

“Asian Games Fun Run is one of the very important initiatives which can carry forward the Olympic spirit and promote Asian Games among the youth. By participating in the Fun Run, the youth from Asia can experience the charm of the Olympics, build up their bodies and be motivated with the spirits of bravely facing challenges, being united and positive”. Mr Liu said.

“We are delighted that our friends at the NOC of Yemen have worked with us so successfully to organize the Asian Games Fun Run in Sana’a to help promote the Games,” said Sheikh Ahmad.