CDPNE students come together by competing
March 21, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom — Soccer is more than just a sport to many; it’s a representation of what coming together as a team can accomplish. Students attending the annual College Degree Program for Non-Employees (CDPNE) soccer tournament got an opportunity to experience that first hand.
A total of 112 Saudi Aramco-sponsored students from across the UK formed 14 teams of eight recently in Birmingham to challenge one another in a show of sportsmanship. The day, organized in conjunction with AOC’s Professional Development Department and AOC Public Relations, was kicked off with the first round of matches, alongside a Playstation soccer tournament for the spectators to join in. Also part of the challenges, the Birmingham CDPNE Girls Bowling Tournament was launched for the first time this year to ensure something for everyone.
“We are very glad to have been a part of the tournament. It was an amazing opportunity for us to meet each other and get to talk to our advisors,” said Lujain Kashgari.
The days first champion was Hussain Al-Thaiban from Birmingham University who won the Playstation game. Tthe bowling award went to Ghada Al-Sowailem from Aston University. To cap it all off, the 2011 Football (Soccer) Championship award went to the Newcastle team, which showed amazing talent and skill.
“On behalf of my team, and all the attendees from Newcastle, we would like to thank every player for being a part of today’s games, and to the Birmingham students for their hospitality in hosting us this year,” said Ali Aljishi, goalkeeper for the team. “We look forward to seeing you all again next year up in Newcastle!”
Faisal Al Ghamdi from Aston University in Birmingham successfully organized this year’s event, saying, “After attending last year’s tournament in Manchester, I felt very encouraged to host all the teams in our great city of Birmingham.” Coordinating with such a large number of players and participants was not easy, but with support from the organizing committee, the event proved to be both successful and memorable.
“Seeing all 250 tournament attendees come together at the dinner ceremony at the end of the day made the effort we put towards this tournament all the more worthwhile. We are very glad to have been given this opportunity to work on this event,” Al Ghamdi said.
“It was great to see so many of our students enjoying their time together. We hope to continue with this annual tournament, as it really goes a long way to see what the students can accomplish on their own,” said Khalid Safar, head of the Professional Development Unit. “We are very proud of our students. They excel in everything they do, both academically and socially.”
By Dena Zedan
