Al Bustan kids supreme

Al Bustan School ruled the waves at the second Inter-school Sailing Competition under supreme sailing conditions at the Mussanah Sports City yesterday.

With clear blue skies and conditions ideal for sailing, some of the young sailors in Oman competed on the waters near the Mussannah Sports City.

Thirteen schools took part in the event with Al Bustan, Al Zahra, Al Saidiya, Rashid bin Al Nadher, Yeti, Royal Guard of Oman Technical College representing Muscat, and from Mussannah the schools were Dora Al Hashmiya, Kaab bin Soor, Asaad bin Zarara, A'Salt bin Malik, Al Khaleel bin Ahmed Al Farahidi, Al Noman bin Bashir and Said bin Mahraz schools.

Top overall honours went to Al Bustan School, a girl's school which racked up the most points in all the races. Al Bustan's Maryam Al Jabri and Um Khalthom Al Jabri came first and second respectively in the girls category, while the third place went to Samar Al Busaidi, also of Al Bustan.

The first place in the boys section went to Omar Al Harthy of Royal Guard of Oman Technical College, while Meshal Darwish of  A'Salt bin Malik school came in second and Bashar Al Jabri of Rashid bin Al Nadher School came in third.  

The trophies and medals were presented by the guest of honour, Madiha Al Shibania, minister of education. The prize-giving ceremony was graced by the presence of the Undersecretary of Tourism, Maitha Al Mahrooqi, and the Wali of Mussannah Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Ma'amari. 

Speaking after the event, Oman Sail CEO David Graham said; " the response to the 'Try Sailing' initiative has been wonderful. This championship also follows our recently announced competition for children 'Sail with Colours' in celebration with the Year of the Children that will be held next year. Sailing with its dependence on quick thinking and teamwork is a good way to build one's character."

David also said that the children have taken to sailing exceptionally well and they have a bright future.
Commenting on the successful participation by the girls, Sakina Al Harthy, the principal of Al Zahra School said: "The girls have really taken well to the sport. Sailing is not only a sport of fun but we have seen a significant development in our students learning skills and abilities.

"I always encourage the students and even the tutors in our school to learn sailing and today we can all see how much the girls have improved and have become a serious challenge for the boys."

Al Harthy was also honoured during the ceremony for her support and crucial role in activating the female students' participation in the Community Sailing Programme.

The contest was launched in October and spectators at yesterday's event were invited to create their designs while their schoolmates weree battling it out on the water.

The grand prize of the colouring contest is winning an RS Q'BA boat  and a qualification from Oman Sail in sailing. The contest is open until December 16 and entries can be submitted through Oman Sail's Facebook page.

Top three (boys): 1. Omar Al Harthy (Royal Guard of Oman Technical College, 28 points); 2. Meshal Darwish (A'Salt bin Malik school, 28 points); 3. Bashar Al Jabri (Rashid bin Al Nadher school, 33 points).

Top three (girls): 1. Maryam Al Jabri (Bustan School, 54 points); 2. Um Khalthom Al Jabri (Bustan School, 56); 3. Samar Al Busaidi (Al Bustan School, 57). Championship Trophy: Al Bustan School.

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