Field of Peace tourney to bring Israeli, UAE youth together through baseball

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Little League and Israel Association of Baseball are proud to announce the establishment of the Field of Peace Tournament.

The baseball tournament will feature the 12-and-under National Teams of Israel and the UAE competing in events in both Dubai and Israel in 2021. Invitations have also been extended to teams from other GCC to participate. The teams will play for the Unity Cup and it is supported by the Dubai Sports Council.

The first series of games will take place on March 21-25 at the Dubai Little League Park next to Al Quoz Pond Park. The teams will meet again in the fall of 2021 in Tel Aviv.

"We are excited to enter a new era of cooperation between our organizations and countries," Dubai Little League President Roger Duthie and his IAB counterpart Jordy Alter said in a joint statement.

"We strive together to develop the game of baseball in Israel and Dubai as a basis for peace and cooperation between our countries. We see this as a major step forward in both areas and are excited to jointly hold the first team sports tournament between our countries.

We hope these games lead to further regional cooperation." Saeed Mohammad Hareb, the Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council said: "To have children play sports at their innocent level which represents more than sport is something that should be cherished. This event will help bound our two nations and I cannot think of anything better than to have children represent the bright future that we look forward to growing together. The Dubai Sports Council is proud to support this initiative which is a testament to the wonderful volunteers of the Dubai Little League and the Israel Association of Baseball." Dubai Little League has over 400 players playing baseball and softball in Dubai.