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28 March 2024

Emirati Olympic torchbearer runs into controversy

Abdulla Al Gurg (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Ajanta Paul

The National Olympic Committee and the UAE Athletics Federation has no clue about the news that Abdullah Al Gurg, an Emirati, will be one of the Olympic torchbearers at the 2012 Olympic Games in London later this year.

Ahmed Al Kamali, President of the UAE Athletics Federation (UAEAF), speaking exclusively to Emirates 24|7 said, "The National Olympic Committee (NOC) has no clue about it. Nothing has come through us."

News of Al Gurg carrying the torch in England came as a surprise to the UAEAF.

Al Gurg was nominated through a Lloyds TSB campaign and has been selected because of his active participation as a member of the board of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG) Charity Foundation and his charitable contributions.

Lloyds TSB is a key sponsor with the London Olympic Organising Committee and has been scouting participants from all over the world to be torchbearers.

Al Gurg was selected by Lloyds TSB who later contacted him for his approval. The letter of nomination came directly to Al Gurg.

Ahmed Al Kamali, the President of the UAEAF said, "Any official release pertaining to Olympics in the UAE must be processed through NOC.

“According to the rule International Olympic Committee (IOC) should inform everything to us first; about the game the event and even if that means running with the torch."

Click here to read Emirati to carry Olympic torch at London 2012

A day before the Olympic commences, on July 26, Abdullah Al Gurg will carry the torch on the stretch in the London borough of Lambeth.

Abdullah Al Gurg expressed this opportunity as his honour, “I am humbled by this opportunity granted by Lloyds TSB and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games committee.

“It is an honour I accept on behalf of the ESAG Charity Foundation and my fellow countrymen.

“I hope my participation will contribute in a small manner to emphasis the inspirational power of the Games that unites people from all over the world.”

 The names of over 7,000 people who will carry the Olympic Flame as torchbearers have been announced. 

The torchbearers include some who have fought serious illness, people who have gone above and beyond for their community and being the source of inspiration to others.

Al Kamali said, "NOC is the official body here in the UAE and we are unaware of this. This news is a surprise for us and we will find more details about it."