The Orienteering Sports Foundation, headquartered in Dubai, has unveiled plans to organize an international championship in the UAE in the second half of the upcoming year 2024. The foundation is currently extending invitations to Orienteering Sports associations worldwide to participate in this prestigious event, which falls under the umbrella of the International Union for Orienteering Sports, comprising 78 active nations.
Khemis Khemis Mohammed Al Balushi, the founder and director of the Orienteering Sports Foundation, revealed that the foundation has received preliminary approval for permanent membership from the International Union, having fulfilled the required criteria related to organizing a specific number of championships. Al Balushi disclosed plans for an international tournament next year, with the foundation actively engaging with global associations after coordinating with relevant authorities in the country.
Al Balushi emphasized the current objective of establishing a local union for this sport in the UAE, aiming to promote the game founded by the individual foundation in July 2021. With a current following of 900 practitioners, the foundation observes a growing interest and passion for Orienteering Sports, attributing its appeal to its contributions to individual development across physical, mental, emotional, and recreational aspects, as well as its tourism potential.
Highlighting their previous achievements, Al Balushi noted the successful organization of 36 events in the UAE, including the sixth Arab Military Orienteering Championship in November and a recent two-day tournament in Abu Dhabi in February. He expressed the foundation’s hope for further expansion, intending to conduct training courses and increase awareness of the sport throughout the country.
Al Balushi proudly mentioned that their tournaments included competitions for individuals with Down syndrome and their families over five years. These competitions took place in various locations, such as Safa Park in Dubai, Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi, Zabeel Park, and Mushrif Park. He emphasized that government entities, including the Emirates Post Group, the ambulance service, and Dubai Police personnel, were among the first to embrace Orienteering Sports.
In conclusion, Al Balushi expressed optimism about the formation of a local union, anticipating broader horizons for participation and the organization of international championships. The foundation remains dedicated to spreading Orienteering Sports’ ease of practice in parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations
