In a display of sportsmanship and international camaraderie, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, with the generous sponsorship of Dallah Company and in partnership with the French Embassy in Bahrain, successfully hosted a global relay race. This event, staged at Doha Arad Park on the morning of Saturday, March 9, 2024, celebrated the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The race was graced by the presence of the French Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Eric Giraud, the Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, His Excellency Mr. Fares Mustafa Al-Kooheji, along with staff from the embassy, the Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Runners Committee.
The event commenced with the Bahraini Royal Anthem, followed by a welcoming address from Ambassador Giraud. He expressed his gratitude towards the Bahrain Olympic Committee for organizing the event and extended his thanks to all participants for their involvement in this pre-Olympic celebration. Ambassador Giraud highlighted the nearing start of the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled from July 24 to August 11, and extended an invitation to athletes worldwide to France. He also commended the enduring Bahraini-French relations, acknowledging the event as a reflection of the strong ties between the two nations. The Ambassador lauded Bahrain's sporting achievements and its successful National Sports Day, expressing his best wishes for Bahrain in the upcoming Paris Olympics and emphasizing the ongoing sports collaboration between Bahrain and France.
His Excellency Mr. Fares Mustafa Al-Kooheji then took the stage, welcoming the guests and appreciating the French Embassy's collaboration in hosting the event. He voiced confidence in France's capability to organize an exceptional Olympic Games, noting the anticipation for improved conditions following the health concerns at previous Olympics. Mr. Al-Kooheji highlighted Bahrain's aspirations for historic success in the Paris 2024 Olympics, attributing the nation's sports progress and achievements to the support of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the continued efforts of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Special thanks were extended to Dallah Company for its sponsorship, underscoring its commitment to supporting the sporting community and contributing to the success of the event.
The ceremony featured an exchange of mementos between the French Ambassador and the Secretary-General, followed by athletic demonstrations in taekwondo, karate, weightlifting, wrestling, fencing, and judo.
The highlight of the day was the 3.3-kilometer relay race organized by the Bahrain Runners Committee. The French Ambassador and the Secretary-General led the pack, completing the race despite challenging weather conditions, embodying the spirit of resilience and cooperation that characterizes the Olympic movement.
