HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum opens the ISSF World Cup Final in Dubai

58 world’s best athletes of 2005, both men and women, from 19 nations were invited to Dubai and the World Cup Final, which will be held at the Jebel Ali Shooting Range, approx. 35 miles outside of Dubai, to compete in the Olympic Shotgun disciplines Skeet, Trap and Double Trap. Sheikh Salman Al Sabah, President of the Asian Shooting Confederation, thanked the patron, the Organizing Committee as well as the International Shooting Sport Federation-ISSF- for the big support and efforts. He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates have secured a prime position as one of the world’s leading destination for premier sporting events. He also emphasized in continuing the efforts in propagating the sport in the region. Sheikh Salman Al Sabah concluded his speech by thanking again HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the efforts and welcomed the athletes from all nations, wishing a great competition. Following the speech was Brigadier Dr. Jassim Bel Rumaitha’s address to the Excellencies as well as the athletes. He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates has made remarkable progress, establishing itself in various realms throughout the Gulf, Arab and International areas. Therefore the ISSF World Cup Final is yet another milestone to be added to the nation’s record. Mr. Medhat Wahdan, ISSF Vice- President and ISSF Technical Delegate for this World Cup Final, concluded the speeches by welcoming HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as the athletes also in the name of Mr Olegario Vazquez Rana, ISSF President, and Horst G. Schreiber, ISSF Secretary General. He said it was a great opportunity to host the competition under this roof of great achievements. He highlighted the Shooting Champion Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who set a world record of 125/125 during Asian Championships as well as the Olympic Gold medal of Sheikh Ahmed bin Hasher Al Maktoum in the Double Trap Men event at Athens 2004. He underlined the goal of holding the competition in the sphere of love, friendship, brotherhood and peace regardless of religion, linguistic and cultural background. He finished his speech by wishing all athletes all the luck in carrying forward this message to the countries as well as preserving this competition in Dubai as good memories. The Excellencies, official and athletes were bid farewell with fireworks, a laser lightshow as well as traditional dances. The first finals of the ISSF World Cup Final will be held 21 November 2005 in the Trap and Skeet Women event.