The 54-day Abu Dhabi Sports Festival, which began on Sunday, has many such activities lined up for children of all ages at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The festival with the message of 'Stay active, stay healthy' is organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Educational Council.

The festival, in its second year, encourages community members to keep themselves fit in the summer. The aim is also to urge people to see sports activities as an essential aspect of healthy lifestyle. There is also a kids summer camp being run on the sidelines of the festival.

Four football pitches, two badminton and volleyball courts, one basketball full court and two half courts, six table tennis tables and a big area allocated to the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation are all awaiting explorers. The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation offers demos and cricket coaching sessions are given by trainers from the Zayed Cricket Academy.

The kids' package includes bungee trampoline, acroball, jungle land, zip line and gyroscope. There are also a few food trucks to catch a bite.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, secretary-general of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the aim of such an initiative is to make sports activities part of everyone's daily lives. "This summer vacation for schools is a great opportunity to hone skills of the new generation. The air-conditioned environment like a stadium makes it an ideal place for families."

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC, said the festival had 10 per cent more space being allocated compared with last year. "More than 22,000sqm is dedicated for the festival. We expect a good turnout from all sections of the society. We welcome visitors to August 31."

General admission is free and Adnec Hall No. 9 is open from 10am to 10pm. The rates for sports sessions ran

Source: Khaleej Times