ZHO, EFCAD sign MoU on training people of determination to falconry, support formation of an elite team for competitions

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) signed a memo of understanding with Abu Dhabi Falconers Club (EFCAD) on cooperation in heritage sports - falconry, where ZHO's members of determination will be trained to falconry through a plan and program with standards commensurate with their abilities, and certificates of participation and a falconer participation card will be issued to the participants, as well as supporting the formation an elite team among them to participate in major competitions and contests, and to enable them to access and participate in the competitions organized by the EFCAD at the state level, including the President’s Cup for Falconry.

The memo was signed by ZHO's Secretary General His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, and EFCAD's Executive Director His Excellency Sultan Ibrahim Al Mahmoud. A group of leaders from both sides attended the signing ceremony that took place at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) held by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Under the memo, ZHO shall train its members of determination to the falconry sport according to the training plan previously approved with EFCAD, and provide a supervisor with them throughout the training period and during competitions. It shall also train EFCAD's coaches on how to deal with people of determination, while the EFCAD shall provide specialists to carry out training in accordance with the approved and agreed-upon program. The EFCAD shall also provides logistical support when implementing any competitions or tournaments at the local level, and implement training programs, including training requirements and providing the appropriate environment for their implementation, in addition to training people of determination to the basic principles and ethics of falconry.

His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan welcomed the signing of this partnership memo and the cooperation with the EFCAD, which was established based on the great and unprecedented successes eyed by the club's competitions, in order to protect and develop the UAE’s falconry heritage and enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a base for spreading its culture and interest in falcons, and making it the first destination for falconers. His Excellency pointed out the importance of providing the appropriate environment to develop the skills and capabilities of people of determination, according to the latest technical equipment, and spreading awareness and knowledge among them on the falconry sport and enhancing its role in society as part of the UAE's authentic heritage.

The aim of signing the memo is to involve ZHO's members of determination, and train them to the heritage falconry sport. This sport is one of many very famous sports in the UAE, and an integral part of the state’s heritage. It is of great importance statewide as it is an essential pillar to heritage representing a host of traditions and values, and a rich stock of the ancient cultural heritage that grandparents, parents and children participate in take pride in, which provides members of determination with a matchless experience in taking on a new sports challenge through the falconry sport and protecting falcons as a national symbol, His Excellency noted.

For his part, His Excellency Sultan Ibrahim Al Mahmoud stressed the club’s pride in the agreement it signed with ZHO, thanks to its lofty goal of promoting the approach of integrating people of determination in various fields, including sports.
 

"Falconry is an Emirati heritage that we are proud of, and people of determination are a group dear to us, so the EFCAD's initiative has come to create a special training program in falconry for people of determination in cooperation with ZHO. We value the role of officials of this effective institution in Emirati society, with which we aspire to enhance the skills of our children of determination and push them towards excellence and empowerment in keeping with their true creativity and abilities" His Excellency added.

Al-Mahmoud wrapped up saying, "We seek from the agreement to qualify a number of falconers of determination and have them participate in falconry competitions organized by the EFCAD. We thank the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for its support of all initiatives that promote culture and sport practices of all kinds".