Islamic Games open in Mecca

Islamic Games open in Mecca

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The first-ever Islamic Games kicked off
in the holy city of Mecca on Friday in an Olympics-style
tournament aimed at showing Muslim athletic prowess, with over
6,000 sportsmen - but no women - from 50 countries.

The tournament, dubbed the Islamic Olympic Games, is hosted by
four Saudi cities - Mecca, Medina, Jiddah and Taif - and brings
together members of sports unions affiliated to the Organization
of Islamic Conference.

Women are not competing in the games. The conservative kingdom
bars women from practicing sports, even in schools.

Prince Abdel Majid Bin Abdel Aziz, the prince of Mecca, opened
the games on Friday in a ceremony that featured more than 2,600
students at the King Abdul Aziz stadium in Mecca. Competitions
began on Saturday.

Fifty-five countries are taking part in the games, with 6,000
players competing in various categories, including swimming,
diving, tennis, fencing, weightlifting, soccer, basketball,
volleyball, handball, karate and athletics. The mentally and
physically challenged will also compete in special events.

The tournament, which Saudi officials boast is the second-
largest sports gathering after the Olympics, ends April 20. --AP