Z-Corp renews sponsorship agreement with Oman Chess Committee (OCC)

MUSCAT: The Zubair Corporation LLC (Z-Corp) has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Oman Chess Committee (OCC) within the framework of enhancing public and private sector partnership. As part of the agreement, Z-Corp will support all the activities of Oman Chess Committee in the coming years. The agreement between Z-Corp and OCC was facilitated by Oman Olympic Committee as part of their plans to assist sports associations and athletes to get the support of the private sector companies.

Al Zubair M Al Zubair, Vice Chairman, The Zubair Corporation and Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee signed the collaboration agreement.  The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of Z-Corp, Oman Chess Committee and Oman Olympic Committee.

The signing comes within the framework of Z-Corp’s strategy and social responsibility to encourage sport performances and achievements. As a private sector player, Z-Corp is keen on realising a long-term strategy aimed at providing support for the youth to invest their energies positively in the world of sports. The group has been constantly supporting and engaging with clubs and associations which focus on young talent, while developing and strengthening local communities at the same time.

Z-Corp had first signed a sponsorship agreement with OCC in 2017 to support the activities of OCC to enable it to spread the popularity of the chess among people especially youth. As part of this collaboration, Z-Corp established centres in Muscat, Sohar, Ibri, Nizwa and Dhofar to popularise the mind sport.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Al Zubair M Al Zubair said, “The Zubair Corporation is keen on supporting the country’s sports development since it believes it is an area of vital importance in the national development process. The context of this agreement with Oman Chess Committee aims at fulfilling this strategy.  Z-Corp is committed to encourage and support Omani youth to train, participate, qualify and represent the Sultanate in international sports platforms. We are happy to support the goals of the Oman Olympic Committee in supporting sports associations in this case the Oman Chess Committee.”

He added, “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we successfully held online tournaments which received great response. In addition, in association with Omani Chess Committee has launched an online platform dedicated to the game of chess. We are proud of what we have accomplished through the centres that have been set up. Since their founding, the Zubair Chess Centres have proficiently trained students. The centres have made a painstaking effort to provide dedicated chess training and expert guidance to help aspiring chess players to reach great heights. Through adept training and tournaments held throughout Oman we are pleased to have contributed significantly to the development of chess.”

Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee said, “We are thankful to the agreement which demonstrates Z-Corp’s commitment to supporting the development of sports in the country and encourage young talents. Over the years we have achieved a lot under the framework of this agreement, and we appreciate Z-Corp’s decision to renew this partnership. We will continue to popularise the game of chess throughout Oman through new ideas and strategies.”

He said, “We were happy with our achievements despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic situation. This online chess platform we launched is certain to constitute a rapid growth in interest and participation, particularly with most people confined to their homes because of the COVID-19. Online chess has not only survived, but also thrived in Oman.  Z-Corp and OCC have already conducted online chess tournaments online and received a tremendous response. The efforts of Z-Corp have helped in finding a new generation of players who are ready to represent the Sultanate in international platforms. The Zubair Corporations’ decision to establish training centres across Oman has provided a platform for aspiring chess champions to train and continue improving their game.”

He explained that the committee has strategic plans and objectives that it seeks to achieve in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Zubair Corporation in order to activate and increase the number of chess practitioners and develop their abilities and skills across Oman to raise their levels and enable them to compete. Plans are on to set up new centers and launch tournaments in addition to the existing competitions.

Validating its continuous commitment to sports, Z-Corp has been a partner and sponsor of different sports activities including football, handball, ice sports, volleyball in the country.