Haider and Alsereidi underscore the significance of sixth edition of Dibba Classic Sports Challenge

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The sixth edition of the prestigious Dibba Classic Sports Challenge will take place from July 18-21 at the Creativity Center Theater in Fujairah.

Details of the four-day event encompassing different championships were revealed during a press conference was held at the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBBF) headquarters in Dubai on Wednesday.

Addressing the media, Ali Abdullah Bin Haider, Vice president of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation described the Dibba Classic Sports Challenge, as one of the prominent championships organized and supported by the federation.

He highlighted its significant role in discovering talents for the national men's and youth teams, as well as providing valuable opportunities for interaction with international players. He shed light on the importance of the Dibba Classic Sports Challenge in the presence of organizing committee head Salem Alsereidi.

The press conference was also attended by the former world champion and a member of the federation's Board of Directors, Faisal Ahmed Obaid Al Zaabi, Vladislavs Redjkins, ⁠Sports Director of Emirates Sports Group and ⁠General Secretary of the World Strongman International Union, Martin Norgic of Olimp Sports Nutrition, EBFF’s technical Secretary, Abdulmajid Yazbek, and other dignitaries.

The Dibba Classic Sports Challenge is sponsored by Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOZ), Olimp Sports Nutrition, Green Valley Engineering Consultants, Olympia International Hall, Venium Gym Hall, and the Emirates Sports Group.

The organizing committee's chairman expressed gratitude to the Federation's Board of Directors, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al-Sharqi, for the trust and support that helped make the championship a cornerstone event in the federation's agenda.

He mentioned that Fujairah was chosen to host the competitions due to its distinctive infrastructure and its status as a distinguished sports destination, particularly in bodybuilding.

He also disclosed the overall value of the tournament, which amounts to approximately Dhs 700,000 including Dhs180,000 in cash prizes for the winners, in addition to medals.

He commended the efforts of the sponsors and described their role as strategic in ensuring the sustainability of hosting championships over the past six years.

Norgic expressed delight in joining Olimp Sports Nutrition’s as main sponsor of Dibba Classic Sports Challenge, , highlighting that this partnership reflects company’s commitment to supporting sports initiatives that enhance health, physical fitness, and wellness across different segments of society.

“We were searching for a strong partner in the Emirates and found them one in and that’s the main reason behind joining Dibba Classic Sports Challenge. We have sponsored number of events in Europe and this is first one in the UAE. We look forward to sponsoring a series of distinctive events and activities across the country,” he added.

"Emirates Sports Group is proud to support the Dibba Classic Sports Challenge, and to foster the development of strength sports and fitness.  World Strongman International Union will host an Expo launch at Dibba Classic, and the UAE powerlifting team will hold training camps at the Emirates Sports Hotel while providing top-notch facilities and support for athlete training and development,” said Redjkins.

“We are pleased to collaborate with EBBF, a member of our union, and support their projects. We plan to hold tournaments at Emirates Sports venues, providing the best conditions for athletes and spectators.

“We look forward to an exciting and successful Dibba Classic Sports Challenge and continue to support the advancement of strength sports in the region,” he added.