The second edition of the Pearl Qatar Summer Sports Tournament got underway at the beach at 31 La Croisette in Porto Arabia in Pearl Qatar yesterday. Competitions are taking place in beach volleyball and beach soccer and water sports, covering paddling and kayaking.
Competitions in paddling and beach volleyball are talking place this weekend while beach football as well as the rest of the paddling competitions will take place next weekend. Massive preparations such as erecting huge tents and clearing the ground for various competitions have already been completed. Two special courts have been set up for beach volleyball matches.
A total number of 40 teams are participating in beach volleyball and football tournaments. The beach volleyball teams have five members each with three players in action and two in reserve.
For paddling there are separate competitions for men and women. Men will have to cover a distance of 9km while women compete for a distance of 6km. Around 50 participants have registered to compete in water sports competitions for this weekend. The competitions in kayaking and paddling are taking place at the beach at 31 La Croisette adjacent to Tower 31 in Porto Arabia.
One of the members of a beach volleyball team said it was exciting to take part in such a competition. He said: “Though it is hot we have taken all the necessary precautions to face the heat. It is a lot of fun and unlike the professionals in beach volleyball , we are playing with a team of three which gives the teams a lot more flexibility. It is quite thrilling and we are looking forward to each match.”
The event stretching for two weekends will get over with the beach soccer competition final on May 25. All members of the winning teams will receive shopping and dining vouchers from United Fashion Company (UFC) and the Hospitality Development Company (HDC). The winners will also get trophies.