Islamic Games open in Mecca<\/p>\n
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The first-ever Islamic Games kicked off
\nin the holy city of Mecca on Friday in an Olympics-style
\ntournament aimed at showing Muslim athletic prowess, with over
\n6,000 sportsmen - but no women - from 50 countries.<\/p>\n
The tournament, dubbed the Islamic Olympic Games, is hosted by
\nfour Saudi cities - Mecca, Medina, Jiddah and Taif - and brings
\ntogether members of sports unions affiliated to the Organization
\nof Islamic Conference.<\/p>\n
Women are not competing in the games. The conservative kingdom
\nbars women from practicing sports, even in schools.<\/p>\n
Prince Abdel Majid Bin Abdel Aziz, the prince of Mecca, opened
\nthe games on Friday in a ceremony that featured more than 2,600
\nstudents at the King Abdul Aziz stadium in Mecca. Competitions
\nbegan on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Fifty-five countries are taking part in the games, with 6,000
\nplayers competing in various categories, including swimming,
\ndiving, tennis, fencing, weightlifting, soccer, basketball,
\nvolleyball, handball, karate and athletics. The mentally and
\nphysically challenged will also compete in special events.<\/p>\n
The tournament, which Saudi officials boast is the second-
\nlargest sports gathering after the Olympics, ends April 20. --AP<\/p>",
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