Sports Min. Leads Cycling Marathon in New Port Said Tunnels

Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, accompanied by Major General Adel Al-Ghadban, Governor of Port Said, led an 8 km cycling marathon in new Port Said tunnels on Friday morning.

A group of young men and women and several ministerial officials also participated in the marathon.

Dr. Sobhi praised the Port Said Tunnels project as one of the national development projects taking place in the country under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who is driving the country's development engine in various sectors.

He further pointed out that the ministry has held various events regarding these projects with the aim of introducing young people to what is happening on the ground regarding the implementation of major projects, as well as leveraging sports as a tool for the promotion of cities and new projects.

He further noted that the ministry is keen on promoting the culture of practicing sports among young people and citizens, and on introducing sports as a lifestyle, which is one of the major pillars of the ministry’s strategy that is accomplished through events and marathons organized in all governorates of the republic periodically.

[caption id="attachment_146052" align="alignnone" width="960"] Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhi Leads a Cycling Marathon in New Port Said Tunnels[/caption]

Dr. Sobhi further stressed the importance of sports in the lives of inpiduals, and in giving a positive upbringing.

The Minister of Youth and Sports referred to "Your Bike ... Your Health" initiative implemented by the ministry, to provide bicycles for youth and citizens at subsidized prices.

Two phases of the initiative have been implemented so far; and the ministry is currently working on launching a new phase, including a larger number of bicycles to meet the demands of young people.

Dr. Sobhi pointed out that the initiative is under the auspices of President Sisi, which is an affirmation of His Excellency's keenness on spreading the idea of sports as a cultural practice within societies, noting that practicing sports improves the physical fitness of inpiduals, and constitutes an economically-efficient mode of transport.

The minister concluded that the promotion of sports is considered one of the main sectors targeted by the ministry in the sports sector. The agenda includes all groups of society and aims to implement programs to improve the health of citizens through the practice of sports.