Sports meeting set to further enhance Saudi British relations

Mr. Richard Callicott, Chief Executive of UK Sport is heading the British delegation, which includes Lord Denman, Chairman of the Saudi British Society, together with other leading officials from various sporting organisations. Mr. Richard Callicott and Dr. Saleh bin Nasser both agree that the Saudi-British MoU is the most active of their sporting protocols. 'Last year produced a record number of activities - and the committee is hoping to report a similar success this year,' commented Mr. Callicott.

To be held in Riyadh between 4-8th November, the meeting will provide the opportunity to review the wide spectrum of highly successful sporting and cultural activities that have taken place over the last 12 months - and to agree a comprehensive events programme for the forthcoming year.

Signed in 1987 and co-ordinated jointly by the British government and BAE SYSTEMS for the UK and the General Presidency for Youth Welfare for Saudi Arabia, the programme has continued to grow, and is now benefiting over 500 sportsmen, schoolchildren, coaches and officials annually.

The overall programme is wide ranging and the variety of events that took place over the last year included international basketball and volleyball matches, bicycle races, coaching workshops, and special training camps on fencing, table tennis and gymnastics. There was also a youth cultural visit and a media trip to the UK - and MSc degree courses on sports medicine, physiotherapy and nutrition from some of the UK's leading sports medical professionals.

One of the interesting highlights within this year's MoU schedule was the highly publicised voyage undertaken by disabled Saudis who worked alongside other disabled and able-bodied crewmembers aboard the tall-ship Lord Nelson as it sailed from Chatham to Portsmouth, on the south coast of England. 'This was possibly one of the more unusual events in this year's calendar,' highlights Peter Waddell, programme coordinator for the MoU 'and the programme continues to be a valuable vehicle in fostering bonds of friendship and cultural awareness amongst the young sportsmen and coaching bodies in each country.'

'The development of the programme over time has been considerable and the MoU's influence has already ensured that many sportsmen from both countries have started to receive international competitive experience and training,' he added. 'Next month's Annual Committee meeting will also review the events that are to be planned to take place in the future and I look forward to enjoying another busy year.'