BankMuscat, the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate, has extended support to Gulf Sports Media Association hosting its annual gathering from July 15 to 18 in Salalah. Leading sports journalists from the Gulf region are attending the event being held as part of Salalah Tourism Festival. The Gulf Sports Media Association is meeting in Oman for the second time. The activities during the 4-day event include a media seminar which will discuss important aspects relating to Arab sports development and a friendly football match. Salim Mohammed al Amry, Head — PR and Media Relations, said: “The support to the annual gathering of Gulf Sports Media Association comes in line with the strong media relations policy pursued by BankMuscat. As the nation's leading financial institution, the bank aims to convey the message of direct and indirect support to national and international sporting events so as to motivate others to follow suit and provide the required support vital for developing a sporting nation." Salem al Habsi, President of Gulf Sports Media Association, said: “We are thankful to BankMuscat for leading by example in encouraging sports activities in Oman. The gesture reflects a commitment not only to the sports media, but also the country's youth. By encouraging sporting activities, the bank is setting a fine example of promoting good health and healthy living. The bank's support will go a long way in laying a solid foundation for sports activities in Oman." BankMuscat is a major supporter of games and sporting events in Oman. The bank extended lead support to the just-concluded 5th Beach Handball World Championship. The Bank also recently felicitated the Oman hockey team which recorded an impressive performance as runner-up in the 4th Asian Hockey Federation Cup in Bangkok, Thailand and for the first time qualified for the Asia Cup. The bank was the first corporate to announce financial support to Oman national football team playing in the Asian qualifier for 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil and 2012 Olympics in London. During the 17th, 18th and 19th GCC Cup tournaments, BankMuscat led by example, being the first private sector institution to announce cash bonanza for the national football team. Notably, the bank has also launched a major corporate social responsibility initiative to green the playing fields across Oman. Omanobserver
