Sports Versus Crime Conference Tackles Offending

Annual Dubai Police initiative promotes safety and security through physical activity

Dubai, UAE –January 29, 2015:Sports Without Delinquency was the theme of a recently concluded conference established to help combat criminal activity in the UAE.Organised by Dubai Police and held under the title: ‘Sports Versus Crime,’ the two-day forum, which took place from January 26-28, examined how physical activity and friendly competition could help reduce anti-social behaviour and offending by young people in Dubai.

Sports Versus Crime was sponsored by a number of organisations with a strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) philosophy, including MAG Group, one of the largest multi-faceted business organisations in the region.The organisation says that it participated in the event because it places a high value on supporting community initiatives that work to strengthen the bonds of society and enhance the emirate's reputation as a safe global destination for tourists and travellers.

“MAG Group was honoured to be able to support this extremely worthy initiative to help reduce the incidence of crime in Dubai by encouraging youngsters to be active and to keep busy with activities and sports,” said Moafaq Al Gaddah, Founder and Chairman of MAG Group.

“Criminal activity starts at an early age and is often the result of youngsters lacking proper direction in their lives. Over the past five years, the Sports Without Delinquency programme has helped show how sports can engender a positive attitude to life that can pull young people away from offending. MAG Group’s CSR programme is aligned with the strategy of the various government departments that work to benefit all segments of society,” he added.

The annual Sports Versus Crime conference, the fifth in the Sports Without Delinquency programme, featured aschedule of presentations, speeches and sports demonstrations designed to show how being physically active is instrumental in creating safety and security, as well as being vital for healthy living. The initiative formed part of Dubai Chamber's ongoing support toactivities organised by government departments to promote community cohesiveness and to serve the interests of all sections of society.

This year’s edition of the Sports Without Delinquency programme was the second that MAG has sponsored, having leant its weight behind last year’s initiative. It also supported Dubai Police Academy’s initiative with the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO), which took place in March 2014.

“MAG Group’s participation in this important conference supports Dubai Police's efforts to reduce crime and to provide security and safety for the emirate. We consider our organisation to be an integral part of the community’s fabric, so feel a sense of obligation to do as much as we can to improve life here. Our ultimate aim is to enhance Dubai's reputation as an ideal crime-free destination for tourists, residents and businesses,” added Al Gaddah.

The fifth international Sport Versus Crime conference was held under patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Sports Council.The day’s events included demonstrations of skydiving, music from the Dubai Police band and a horse riding display, among other activities. It is hoped that its lasting effect will be a spread of awareness among the younger generation on the importance of sports activities in maintaining physical and psychological health,the highlighting of the effects of crime on society and a dialogue with other countries to find solutions to deal with