Salem bin Abdulrahman crowns SCDA with SGEC Cup

Sharjah 24: Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, crowned the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority (SCDA) team as the champions of the Sharjah Government Employees Club (SGEC) Ramadan Football Tournament. The tournament, held at the American University of Sharjah from March 2 to March 13, saw intense competition among various government entities.

Honouring the Top Teams and Organisers

During the closing ceremony on Thursday night, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi also honoured the runners-up, the Sharjah Police General Command team, and the third-place team, the Sharjah Police Academy. Additionally, he recognised the tournament referees, sponsors, and organising committee members before taking commemorative photos with the winners.

A Thrilling Final Match Decided by Penalty Shootout

The final match, which brought together the Sharjah Police General Command team and the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority team, was a nail-biting contest. With strong performances from both sides and enthusiastic support from the audience, the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time. The champions were ultimately decided through a dramatic penalty shootout, where the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority team emerged victorious with a 9-8 win.

Tournament Format and Participation

The tournament featured 32 participating teams, competing in a single-round league format. The teams were divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals, leading to the final showdown.

Expansion of the Ramadan Sports Tournament

The football tournament is part of the broader Sharjah Government Employees Club (SGEC) Ramadan Sports Tournament, which includes additional competitions such as Padel Tennis. The tournament, featuring participants from 32 government entities, aims to promote health and fitness among employees. The padel tennis competition consists of two separate tournaments—one for men and another for women—held at the Padel Arena. The men's competition runs from March 16 to March 21, while the women's event concludes on March 15.

Encouraging Sports and a Healthy Work-Life Balance

With the rising popularity of padel tennis among employees, the tournament is expected to attract significant participation. The initiative underscores the importance of sports in maintaining overall well-being and fostering a healthy work-life balance. Through various sports competitions, the event aims to boost employee morale, improve job performance, and strengthen social bonds within the workplace.

Attendance and Distinguished Guests

The final match and awards ceremony were attended by several high-ranking officials, including Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Ahmed Hamad Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Government Employees Club (SGEC); Brigadier General Sami Khamis Al Naqbi, Director General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority; and members of the club’s board, along with representatives from participating entities.