Photo By Dustin Senger | Capt. Ross Renken, from Channahon, Ill., and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Orlando Guzman, from...... read more read more
DOHA, Qatar – Success of the Global War on Terrorism requires the United States to maintain military presence in the Middle East. U.S. military forces at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar, a Gulf country emirate, continue to actively support Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. During the early years, U.S. service members had limited, low-level, military-to-military interaction with their Qatar counterparts. Eventually, the two countries were able to unite in a common interest: sports competitions.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Qatar emir, has actively supported athletes and major sports competitions since he succeeded his father's rule of the Gulf country in 1995. International athletic events have helped build world-wide awareness for the rapidly developing and prosperous Gulf emirate. The 15th Asian Games Doha in December 2006 presented Qatar as the first venue for a major Olympiad event in Arabia. Qatar officials have submitted a bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.
In June 2003, Qatar military officials welcomed U.S. service members to join them in athletic activities – a major success of sociable interaction between the two nations' military forces. On May 11, 2004, the U.S. Army in Qatar sent a letter to their host nation's military general headquarters to request opportunities for continued semi-annual sports competitions.
The outreach was an effort to continue to build friendly relationships between the two nation's armed forces. Qatar military officials sent a response on July 17, 2004, welcoming U.S. service members to join them in the nation's annual military sports competitions. Ever since the initial invitation, the U.S. military has embraced the events as the only non-Qatari participants.
Since the first invitation in 2004, U.S. involvement in the sports competitions has included: marksmanship, basketball, soccer, table tennis, cross-country and a challenging military run.
On Jan. 30, U.S. Air Force Capt. Benjamin Washburn, from Colorado Springs, Co., received the 1st place gold medal for his performance in a pistol competition against eight Qatari military teams. Washburn's gold medal represented his obtainment of the highest award since U.S. service members began participating in the Qatar military sports competitions. Even though he had never shot pistol one-handed before, he was able to gain enough understanding from a helpful range coach, provided by the host nation's military. Qatar Lt. Jo'an bin Hamad Al Thani, military police officer and son of the emir, was present to congratulate the U.S. Air Force security forces officer.
"Washburn and the other U.S. participants were competing against the nation's top shooters," said Hani Abukisk, from Dallas Texas. Abukishk is the Area Support Group Qatar civil affairs officer who was part of the first negations to bring the two nations together in sports competitions. "We did earn 3rd place in a 2004 to 2005 marksmanship competition but the Qatar rifle and pistol teams generally don't expect anyone to beat them. They take extra pride in these competitions since they specifically showcase a military skill, unlike basketball and soccer."
During the 2005 to 2006 season, U.S. service members earned 2nd place in a cross country run.
"In my mind, this is more for fun than competition – it's challenging," said Qatar Brig. Gen. Khalifa Al Khulaifi, Qatari Military Sports Association deputy director, minutes before the award ceremony honoring the top marksmanship competitors, to include Washburn. "It's nice to see an American standing in formation to receive a trophy. This year, they did really well, honestly."
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2008 14:31 |
| Story ID: | 15943 |
| Location: | DOHA, QA |
| Web Views: | 302 |
| Downloads: | 223 |
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