Sheikh Khalifa orders Dh24m in grants to athletes

The UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa, has granted more than Dh24 million ($6.5m) to 680 athletes who made sporting achievements in 2019.

The funds, benefitting 680 athletes from 29 sports federations, will contribute to their professional development and be distributed without the customary annual ceremony because of Covid-19.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid, president of the UAE National Olympic Committee, praised the move and said it showed how the UAE invested in its citizens.

"The sports sector in the UAE has accomplished many recent achievements, and we have advanced to a new stage that requires the co-operation of all sporting cadres, athletes, coaches, referees and administrative staff," Sheikh Ahmed said.

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"This will ... consolidate our achievements and target the first position in all areas of professional sports, making champions and investing in new talents based on internationally approved standards."

Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises and chairman of the General Sports Authority, said it was an example of how the UAE leadership supported athletes.

"This is an annual occasion for athletes to reiterate their loyalty and allegiance to the country’s leadership and stress their commitment to reinforcing the country’s position in all competitions," Mr Al Falasi said.

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• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
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Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk

“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”

“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”

“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”

“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”