KUWAIT, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- The second edition of Kuwait Sports Day, organized by the Public Authority for Sports, kicked off on Saturday on Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway with the participation of about 21,000 contestants.
The event included a 5 km walking race and a 20 km cycling race, where contestants set off on foot and on bicycles from the beginning of Sheikh Jaber Causeway from Shuwaikh Port to the finish line, which is the southern island of the bridge.
The event also included sports and entertainment activities, group competitions, parachute shows, musical bands, with the participation of various health clubs, restaurants and cafes.
In a press statement, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said that the large number of participants in Kuwait Sports Day is an indication of the importance of sports in Kuwaiti society of all categories and ages.
Minister Al-Mutairi added that the event reflects Kuwait's commitment to providing a safe and appropriate environment for practicing sports as this event witnessed the unification of efforts from all institutions in the country.
For his part, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports Bashar Abdullah told KUNA during the event that establishing this day as an annual event enhances community awareness of the importance of practicing sports and is part of the Authority's strategy.
He added that this year's event witnessed wider participation than last year from many segments of society, young and old.
Ambassador of Korea to Kuwait Chung Sook Park, one of the participants from the diplomatic missions, expressed to KUNA his happiness to participate with members of his country's embassy and many Korean citizens in this occasion that accompanies Kuwait's celebrations of National Day and Liberation Day.
Ambassador Park praised the atmosphere of the event and the impact of this initiative, adding that walking over Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Bridge had a special meaning to him as it is a vital project built by a Korean company.
For his part, member of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Sports Federation Dr. Meshal Ramadan stressed, in a statement to KUNA, the federation's commitment and keenness to implement its societal role in raising awareness of the importance of sports. (end) mym.hms.ao