The German Conveys IOC President's Greetings to Bahrain
Champion Joins Male and Female National Team Players in Fencing Demonstrations
Seef District - Bahrain Olympic Committee:
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, presided over the reception of Olympic fencing champion Britta Heidemann from Germany at the Awal Hall of the Gulf Hotel on Thursday evening, November 23, 2023.
The ceremony, attended by Shaikh Ibrahim bin Salman Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Fencing Federation, Mr. Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and various dignitaries, marked the first visit of the esteemed champion to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Britta Heidemann expressed her joy at the invitation from the Bahrain Olympic Committee and conveyed the greetings of Mr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee. She commended the Committee's efforts, especially under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and expressed pride in sharing her expertise as an Olympic fencing champion.
Sharing her athletic journey, she highlighted the significance of triathlon in her early days, emphasizing its role in building a strong athletic foundation. Her love for fencing led her to Olympic glory, achieved through dedicated training, mental preparedness, and setting clear goals.
She stressed the importance of nurturing grassroots teams, developing coaches through international courses, and gaining experience through regular participation in foreign tournaments to elevate the sport in Bahrain.
Britta Heidemann extended her sincere appreciation for Bahrain's warm hospitality.
Al-Kooheji: Diversifying Our Focus on Sports
Mr. Faris Mustafa Al-Kooheji expressed gratitude to Britta Heidemann for accepting the invitation, emphasizing the Bahrain Olympic Committee's commitment to diversifying its attention across various sports. He highlighted the implementation of the Champions Creation Program and the ongoing efforts to create Olympic champions for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.
Al-Kooheji mentioned the Committee's programs, including the Children’s Olympics and upcoming Junior and Youth Olympics, aiming to discover and develop talent in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, fencing, and more.
Exchange of Souvenirs
At the conclusion of the event, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa presented Britta Heidemann with a Bahrain Olympic Committee souvenir. Britta, in return, presented a souvenir from the International Olympic Committee. Shaikh Ibrahim bin Salman Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Fencing Federation, also presented souvenirs to both Britta Heidemann and the Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.
Fencing Showcase
Britta Heidemann engaged in exhibition fencing matches alongside male and female national team players. Secretary-General Al-Kooheji actively participated in these demonstrations, showing support and encouragement for the athletes.
