Middle East tournament hits new peak

With support from rugby-league legends Scott Prince and Apollo Perelini, 33 teams put their ball-skills, agility, teamwork and fitness to the test in the fight for this years title.

More than 300 Touch enthusiasts took part in the tournament at the Al Ghazal Golf Club, with players coming from as far afield as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Australia.

After playing more than six matches over two grueling days, the following teams emerged victorious:

Mens Trophy

Playin' Up

Ladies Trophy

Abu Dhabi Galaxy

Mixed Trophy

Playin' Up

Veterans Trophy

Bushwackers

Individual praise was also heaped on the standout Players of the Tournament:

Mens

Kalani Tupua-Siliva

Ladies 

Catherine Richards

Mixed

Emily Fichardt and Dan Chisholm

Veterans

Eddie Aliona

Not to be left out, younger fans of the game were also treated to expert tuition from Scott and Apollo in the Daman Kids Skills Clinic, ensuring a truly unique and inspirational introduction to the basic fundamentals of the sport.

John Larkins, President of Middle East Touch, said: "This years Championships surpassed all of my expectations. The support received from Scott Prince - who flew in from Queensland especially for the event - and Apollo Perelini has blown me away. They're truly helping to support the development of Touch Football in the UAE, and I can't thank them enough. I would also like to thank our organising partners - the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority - for their support and guidance, and all of our sponsors for making this years championships so successful.

"Finally, the commitment and enthusiasm from all the teams who took part, both on and off the pitch, shows why Touch is such a great, fun, all-inclusive sport, and that's why I'm throwing down the gauntlet to all those who were watching from the sidelines this year, to get involved and give the game a try. We hope to see you more of you on the pitch next year!"

For more information about Touch in the UAE, including opportunities for sponsorship in the upcoming Abu Dhabi, Dubai and UAE National Touch Championships, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].