Spectacular Opening Ceremony Marks The Start Of 7Up Dubai Government Entities Football League

Tournament runs till April 13 and involves 28 teams

Dubai Refreshment (P.J.S.C.) today declared the opening of the 7Up Dubai Government Entities Football League 2013. The league, which is being organized by Dubai Refreshment (P.J.S.C.), the sole franchisee, manufacturer and distributor of Pepsi-Cola products in Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council [DSC], involves 28 government entities and semi-governmental organizations.

The tournament is being held at the Dubai Police Officers Club in Al Garhoud and the first game was played between Dubai Police and Dubai Courts. The tournament encompasses two leagues– Teams above 38 years old and Teams under 37 years old.

The kick-off of the first 7Up Dubai Government Entities Football League 2013 was preceded by a spectacular Opening Ceremony, which started with the UAE National Anthem. This was followed by a parade of all the 28 participating teams in alphabetical order. An impressive performance by football freestylers was one of the highlights of the Opening Ceremony.

This was followed by a brilliant display of LED dancers, which left the packed stadium spellbound. A wonderful laser and lighting show, followed by fireworks completed a well-orchestrated opening ceremony.

In his comments, Tarek El-Sakka, General Manager of Dubai Refreshment, said: “It is with great pride that we participate in the launch of the 7Up Dubai Government Entities Football League today. This event reinforces the strong football heritage of the UAE, and brings all the leading government entities on a common ground. We sincerely thank the Dubai Sports Council for their continued patronage and support and for working tirelessly with DRC to make this event happen.”

H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Sharif, Secretary General of DSC, said: “We have been part of many sporting events, tournaments and football championships in the UAE. However, the 7Up Dubai Government Entities Football League is a different model altogether – we are confident that this league will help promote the spirit of football in the UAE and bring untapped talent to the forefront. We are thankful to the government for their continuous support and Dubai refreshment for making this happen today.”

The finals of the Football League will be held on April 13. The teams taking part in the league include HH The Ruler’s Court, HH Crown Prince Office, Dubai Police, Directorate General Of Civil Defence Dubai, the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Public Prosecution, Dubai Municipality, Land Department, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, the Department of Finance, Financial Audit Department, Dubai Courts, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing, Dubai Health Authority, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology, Dubai Airports, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates, General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs Dubai, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Aluminum, Dnata, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Customs and Dubai Refreshment (P.J.S.C.).

The matches will be played 3 times a week and will be interspersed with entertainment events, raffle draws, a dedicated Children Zone, food and beverage zones with Pizza Hut & Krispy Kreme as well as a VIP zone, among others every Saturday. The raffle prizes will be from Bosch, Samsung TV & phones, Wild Wadi, Rotana Hotel, Atlantis Hotel, Dusit Thani Dubai, Meydan Hotel, Ramada Plaza, Al Hallab restaurant and sweets and Dar el Kamar restaurant. The big raffle draw prize will be the Chevrolet Spark at the Closing Ceremony on April 13, 2013. A dedicated Children Zone will host events and activities for the little ones every Saturday. There will be separate food and beverage zones with Pizza Hut & Krispy Kreme as well as a VIP zone.

For more information, visit the website: www.7updgefl.com

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Mar 5, 2013

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