Muscat – With an aim to develop air sports activities and spreading a culture of safety among paragliders, Oman Air Sports Committee recently held a workshop at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Ahmed Said al Jahwari, chairman of the Oman Air Sports Committee, said, “The committee works under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs. More than 15 paragliders from different sports teams in the sultanate participated in the workshop.”

“The workshop aimed to spread the culture of safety among paragliders during flight and the correct use of the reserve parachute. It also aimed to exchange experiences between gliders and enhance their skills in the field of safety.”

According to Dr Jahwari, the committee provides continuous support to develop air sports in Oman according to international principles and rules in cooperation with various Gulf and international organisations.

“The committee aims to develop all kinds of air sports such as paragliding, parachute jumping, skydiving among others. The committee wants to help in spreading the culture of air sports among young people and attract them to practice these sports and participate in local and international competitions.”

“We also plan to hold sports competitions in various locations to promote Omani tourist sites,” said Jahwari.

Ahmed al Alawi, a member of the committee, said that such workshops are important because they enhance the skills of gliders and help them get acquainted with the safety measures.

Khalid Mubarak al Muqbali, a participant in the workshop, said, “The course was full of useful knowledge and information to protect the paragliders in the circumstances that he may face in exceptional cases. It is very important to learn new methods and skills in the field of paragliding.”