DSW 2015: UAE sports officials and stars pledge to a healthy summer

Dubai Sports World (DSW) 2015 has officially opened its doors with some of the country’s  leading sporting officials pledging their commitment to an active and healthy summer at the fifth edition of the UAE’s largest indoor summer sports venue.

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General, Dubai Sports Council led a delegation who made personal commitments to up their summer fitness at the DSW Pledge Wall, where UAE residents are being urged to sign up and commit to taking five or more minutes of daily exercise during summer.

Other high-profile pledgers were Thomas Lund, Secretary General of the Badminton World Federation (BWF); female badminton icon and UAE sports pioneer, Mona Al Sahlawi; Hesham Kamel, a Parkour and Street Workout instructor for UAE-based urban movement organisation, Against GraviTi; and RAGE Team Skate Rider, Lawrence Jokum.

DSW visitors can also make their fitness pledges on social media by using the hashtag MYDSW (#MYDSW).

“This year’s Dubai Sports World is bigger than ever with even more sports and activities added to the venue,” said Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice President – Venues, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). “We are also renewing our commitment to help people across the UAE stay active over summer with our new Pledge Wall, where visitors can sign up to commit to a healthier summer. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just want to come and try a new sport with friends or family, Dubai Sports World offers something for everyone and a buzzing indoor atmosphere to do it in.”

To beat the summer heat and propel the fitness movement forward, DSW covers more than 22,000 square metres of air-conditioned space and features eight professional-standard pitches for football and rugby, one volleyball court, four basketball courts, two tennis courts, one cricket pitch, 12 table tennis tables, six badminton courts, a gym, a running track, a wire park and a skate-boarding and BMX park. DSW 2015 will also roll-out its largest and most diverse roster of summer camps and team, corporate and community tournaments across football, basketball, tennis, skateboarding, cricket and many more.

The opening day action kicked off with the official launch of the Power Penalty Challenge, where those who fancy themselves as the next Ronaldo can test the power of their kick in a speed penalty contest.

With every contestant’s penalties measured by radar, digital leader boards will be updated live on the DSW Facebook page.

Chris Brooks, a coach at IFA Football Academy, started the competition with an impressive right-footed strike which registered a speed of 101 kilometres per hour on the radar gun.

The Power Penalty Challenge features eight separate competition groups for Under 11s (boys and girls), Under 14s (boys and girls), Under 17s (boys and girls) and Over 18s (men and women).

Also new at DSW this year are the Against GraviTi Parkour and Streetworkout arena, the elevated Wire World Park of obstacles and bridges and dedicated group exercise (GX) classes by Fitness First.

Nail biting team, corporate and community tournaments will once again return to DSW where friends and foes will battle for victory in the DUPLAYS Ramadan Football Cup, adidas #BeTheDifference 6-a-side football tournament, DXB2 – UAE Conference Basketball, Dubai Sports World Basketball League, G-Force Cricket T-10 cricket tournament and Shuttle Time Dubai Corporate Badminton Championship.

With fantastic prizes up for grabs, there is more than just team pride at stake this year.

Aspiring players also have an opportunity to brush up their skills at DSW. Sport academies managed by professional coaches and celebrated international players, including Ishmael Awange, the proud wearer of an NCCA Championship ring, Gopal Jasapara, former first-class cricketer, and Dale Gordon, ex-Premier League and England player, will offer invaluable lessons and training sessions throughout summer.

Visitors can also get a sneak-peak of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 at the PlayStation hub in the DSW Experiential Zone.
 
Running daily from until August 29, DSW 2015 is open from 8am to 1am during the Holy Month of Ramadan and from 8am to midnight after Ramadan.

For further enquiries on registering, making bulk bookings or organising unique team-building activities across a variety of sports, log on to www.dubaisportsworld.ae

 

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