MUSCAT, JUNE 4
The Oman skating team is set to make a landmark international appearance after receiving an official invitation to participate in a sports festival in the Republic of Belarus on June 6–7, marking the first overseas showcase for Oman's skating community.
The participation comes as part of celebrations surrounding the opening of a new public skate park in Belarus, a major national sports project designed to promote skating and youth engagement. The Omani delegation will present a series of freestyle roller skating performances highlighting the skills and creativity of Omani athletes before an international audience.
Saud al Aufi, Chairman of the Oman Skating Sports Committee, described the invitation as a significant milestone in the committee’s journey to develop skating sports in the Sultanate of Oman.
With the continued growth of skating sports and the expansion of their fan base through various activities in both roller skating and ice sports, this invitation reflects the efforts made by the committee to achieve its objectives at the local, regional and international levels, Al Aufi said.
He added that the invitation represents a historic moment for the committee, as it marks the first time the Oman Skate Team will participate in an international event dedicated to showcasing Omani talent in freestyle roller skating.
Al Aufi noted that the invitation also reflects the positive relations between Oman and Belarus and aligns with the broader cooperation witnessed between the two countries following recent high-level exchanges.
The sporting aspect is no less important than other areas of cooperation. This participation provides an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people connections and open new channels for collaboration through sport, he said.
The Omani team has been preparing intensively for the event and will perform a specially designed routine blending individual and group skating skills with Omani cultural elements. The showcase aims to highlight the talent and creativity of Omani skaters while promoting the continued development of skating sports in Oman.
The athletes representing Oman in the performances are Faisal al Nabhani, Hani al Yaqoubi, Al Zubair al Ghafri and Osama al Hasani. The delegation will be led by Saud al Aufi.
RISING INTEREST
Al Aufi also pointed to Oman’s growing investment in sports and recreational infrastructure, noting that the country has increasingly incorporated dedicated spaces for skating within public walkways and community sports facilities across several governorates. He cited Al Maabela Walkway as one example of a venue that includes facilities catering to skating enthusiasts.
Beyond the performances, the visit will include a series of official meetings with senior sports officials, including representatives of the Belarusian Olympic Committee, the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation and other skating-related organisations.
These meetings will create opportunities to exchange expertise, strengthen international relations and transfer valuable experiences to Oman, Al Aufi said. Skating has developed a growing grassroots base in the Sultanate of Oman despite being a relatively emerging sport, and we look forward to expanding international cooperation that helps place Oman on the global skating map.
He added that the committee remains committed to building international partnerships and creating opportunities for Omani athletes to gain exposure abroad, while also promoting the capabilities of Omani skaters through performance showcases and knowledge exchange with their international counterparts.
The committee is also preparing to organise the fourth edition of the Oman Skating Championship later this year and hopes to expand the event into an international competition in September, further supporting the sport’s development and visibility in Oman.
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