Webinar to debate future of Olympic movement after COVID-19

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

A webinar organised by the national Olympic committee will kick off at 10am on Sunday to discuss the future of national and international Olympic movement after COVID-19.

15 speakers from the UAE Olympic movement will take part in the event which features six discussion topics.

The six topics include international changes and their impact on the sport of the UAE, the role of the NOC in supporting national federations in future, challenges facing the Olympic movement of the UAE following COVID-19, digital challenges to the sports practice, and opportunities to be targeted in dealing with the Olympic movement following COVID-19 pandemic.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Secretary-General of the NOC, will deliver the opening speech of the webinar, and the media star Usama Al Ameeri will moderate the sessions.

Participants include Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, President of the UAE Football Association, who will also review the future of drafting contracts for football players and the need to include a clause for force majeure and controlling the financial budgets associated with the contracts of professional players.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Head of Digital Government, will review the digital platforms, applications of artificial intelligence and smart systems and the importance of using big data.

Mohammed Sultan Al Obaidli, Head of Legal Affairs of the Federal Government, discusses the future legislation that the UAE can enact to lift sports movement.

Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Hussain, Secretary-General of the General Authority for Sports, discusses the Authority’s role in the technical and administrative oversight of sports, the strategic development of the sport, and the Authority’s vision for sports legislation and regulations after COVID-19.

Mohamed Fadel Al-Hamli, President of the National Paralympic Committee, reviews the future of the Paralympic Movement along with challenges, opportunities and proposals. Ali Mohamed Bou Jsaim, President of the UAE Centre for Sports Arbitration tackles the future of arbitration and settlement of disputes, and the requirements for reconciling the conditions of sports entities.

Dr Rima Al Hosani, Chairperson of the National Anti-Doping Committee, addresses the future improvements of anti-doping in the UAE.

Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of Sharjah Sports Council, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, discuss challenges facing the sport in Dubai, and its connection with the federal bodies in terms of (economic - employment) aspect, along with the opportunities¸ proposals, and wider practice and the identification of talented athletes.

Amna Al Dahhak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Welfare and Activities at the Ministry of Education, discusses the future of school sport development, opportunities and challenges.

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union, reviews the focus of attention to women and their empowerment and the development of women's sport, the efforts of government and private institutions in supporting women's sports programs at the local and regional levels.

She will also touch on the culture of women's sport, intensifying competitions in individual and team events, and enhancing the chances of national women leaders in sports organisations at all levels.

Brigadier Khaled Shuhail, Vice President of the Sports Police Union, reviews key challenges, opportunities and proposals. Hamad Al Kaabi, Secretary General of the Federation of Higher Education Institutions, addresses the future development of university sports