The distance between Sohar and Muscat is over 200km and on a good day using a car, the drive always takes more than two hours.
To bike such distance may seem to be a very daunting task let alone you have your two children with you but it was a challenge that Najeeb Ahmed al Maini thought he can do successfully.
So on August 11, 2017, Friday, accompanied by 14-year old Ahmad and 11-year old Abd Al Noor, they embark on their journey.
The route began at 10 am in front of the historical Sohar Fort. There was a ceremony held under the patronage of HE Dr Mohammed Ibrahim al Zadjali, Member of the Shura Council representing Sohar.
Najeeb has always been an adventurer who love physical and sports activities. He is trying to pass on to his sons his love and passion for outdoor activities and physical fitness.
Najeeb and his family come from the village of Majaz al Kubra in Sohar where many of the inhabitants describing the area as rarely anything happens.
The initiative from the Al Maini family is driven by their motivation to raise awareness about exercising and their way of showing their support for the International Youth Day celebrated on the same day.
In a press statement, Najeed said, “We aim to contribute to the Omani families in spreading the culture of exercising in general and cycling sport in particular and promote it among the members of Omani society.”
He added that physical activities promoting health can be done not only individually, but there is a need to involve ones’ family and in general, the community and the institutions therein.
“I do hope that youth will have an active role in the national and international events and celebrations, he said.
In 2015, the UN has adopted the Security Council Resolution 2250 where it stated that young people are critical actors in conflict prevention and in sustaining peace. The resolution refers to the youth as agents of change and the 2017 International Youth Day with the theme ‘Youth Building Peace’ is dedicated to what young people can do in addressing social injustice and sustainable peace.
Najeeb’s goal is not only make his children aware about maintaining good health but also paying attention to global issues that affect them and their future. By having people about these worthy causes, they were already successful.
All throughout the journey, Najeeb has provided his sons instructions on how to successfully complete the task. It was a tiring ordeal, one that tested not only Najeeb’s strength but also the resolve of his sons to complete the challenge with him.
They arrived at Sahwa Tower roundabout at 11 am on the following day, Saturday.
From Sohar, the Al Mainis made several stops especially in the area of Al Batinah. Along the way, they were thankful to have seen the support of the public whom they meet during their stops. They’ve shared memorial pictures especially from supporters in Saham and Suwaiq.
As they completed their journey safely arriving in Muscat, they were welcomed through another ceremony held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Khalid Bin Salem Al Saidi, Secretary General of the State Council.
Najeeb said, “As participants, we would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all those who supported us especially those who looked after the technical and administrative aspects.”
All the support they received, he said, “had a positive impact in stimulating and raising our spirits before and during the journey.”
YERU EBUEN
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