Sports
Zayed Charity Run in Egypt draws big crowd
A delegation from the UAE will head to the Arab Republic of Egypt tomorrow to take part in the preparatory and organisational work ahead of the launch of the 10th edition of the Zayed Charity Run, scheduled to take place this Friday in Sheikh Zayed City, Sixth of October area, Giza Governorate.
The event is a humanitarian sporting occasion that embodies the deeply rooted legacy of giving, established by the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and reflects the depth of the fraternal and humanitarian ties between the two brotherly nations.
In recent days, registration for this year’s edition has witnessed a significant surge, with expectations of a new record number of participants across various age groups, including participants of different abilities and People of Determination. This strong turnout reaffirms the run’s solid standing as a global platform that brings together sport and charitable work, while promoting values of social inclusion and human solidarity.
Giza Governorate has also seen widespread placement of official advertising billboards for the run across major squares and main streets, reflecting the high level of community engagement and strong interest in the event. This comes alongside substantial attention and support from the Egyptian government, and around-the-clock efforts by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, led by Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, in continuous coordination with the Higher Organising Committee of the run, chaired by Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, to ensure the event is delivered in accordance with the highest organisational and technical standards.
The arrival of the UAE delegation in Cairo comes as part of finalising preparations, reviewing the readiness of the run route and facilities, and carrying out a number of field visits and accompanying activities, including a visit to the Egyptian Food Bank. This underscores that the Zayed Charity Run is not merely a sporting event, but a comprehensive humanitarian message that translates the values of solidarity and cooperation into tangible initiatives that serve people wherever they may be.
Prize money for winners across all categories totals EGP20 million, while the proceeds of this year’s run will be allocated to supporting government kidney dialysis centers in Egypt, in reinforcement of the healthcare sector, in addition to supporting the Egyptian Food Bank through the “Rayan Egypt” project.
The project aims to drill wells, establish fish farms, and provide sustainable sources of water and food, contributing to improved quality of life and enhanced food and water security for the most vulnerable groups.
In this context, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mohamed Helal Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Zayed Charity Run, affirmed that the tenth edition in Cairo represents a shining milestone in the journey of the run and embodies the noble humanitarian values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. He noted that the run has become a global symbol of giving and sustainable humanitarian action, stating:
“We take pride in the growing humanitarian impact achieved by the Zayed Charity Run, and in the strong turnout and engagement we are witnessing today, which reflect society’s awareness of the run’s message and noble objectives.”
He added that the close partnership with Egyptian entities, along with the significant support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has helped provide an integrated organizational environment that reflects the prestigious status of the event and ensures its continuity as a leading model linking sport with service to humanity.
The organising committee has approved the run-day schedule, which will run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and will include a variety of segments such as the reception of distinguished guests, runs over different distances, dedicated activities for People of Determination, as well as community and awareness segments and accompanying entertainment activities, giving the event a comprehensive family-friendly and humanitarian character.
This year’s edition will be supported and sponsored by a number of key partners, including Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Emirates Airline (Official Airline Partner), Al Habtoor Group, NORINCO, e&, and the Emirates Red Crescent, whose support will contribute to elevating the event and strengthening its societal impact.
The 2025–2026 season of the Zayed Charity Run will extend across new international destinations, with the message of giving, launching from Cairo, continuing to Miami, USA, on 31st January 2026, and concluding in Budapest, Hungary, in May. This global journey spreads the values of goodness and hope from the UAE to all corners of the world.
Since its inception, the Zayed Charity Run has continued to cement its presence as one of the world’s leading humanitarian sporting events, immortalising the legacy of the founding leader and affirming that the legacy of generosity launched by the late Sheikh Zayed continues to flow with goodness everywhere. The runners’ steps are but an extension of this endless river of generosity, and a message of pride in a timeless Emirati humanitarian legacy.
WAM
Football
Turkish football club distributes Iftar meals in Gaza
Turkish football club MKE Ankaragücü organized iftar distributions in Gaza, delivering meals to 1,500 children as part of its Ramadan campaign to support those in need.
MKE Ankaragucu, a Turkish football club which is currently playing in the TFF 2. Lig, has organized iftar distributions in Gaza as part of its ongoing campaign to help people in need in the Palestinian enclave.
In an official statement on its social media channels, MKE Ankaragucu reiterated its commitment to reminding children facing hardship in Palestine and elsewhere that they are not forgotten during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, while calling for greater support and participation.
The announcement included video footage documenting the distribution of iftar packages to 1,500 children in Gaza.
Turkish football clubs have shown widespread tribune solidarity during matches, with fans displaying banners, Palestinian flags, and messages of support.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced that the Gaza ceasefire has more than doubled monthly food aid compared to before the truce, with coordinated efforts continuing under improved access as of late February 2026.
Amid harsh winter and displacement, one million people are receiving full assistance packages that include food parcels, hot Ramadan iftar meals, fresh bread, and cash transfers.
A News
Football
Will Cristiano Ronaldo reach 1,000 goals at 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace as Al Nassr swept Al Hazem 4-0, a result that sent the Saudi club to the top of the Pro League table. The performance also pushed the 41-year-old’s personal tally to 964 career goals — just 36 away from the iconic 1,000-goal mark.
That night also brought another historic moment as Ronaldo became the first player in history to score 500 goals after the age of 30. To appreciate just how extraordinary that is, fewer than 30 players across the entire history of professional football have scored 500 goals in their careers.
Naturally, the question on everyone’s lips is when will the Portuguese superstar reach the four figures. And the most romantic possibility would be at this summer’s World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Ronaldo, the tournament carries extra weight. By stepping onto the pitch, he will become the first player ever to appear in six World Cups, a milestone he’ll share with Argentine star Lionel Messi, though Ronaldo was already a centrepiece of Portugal’s 2006 campaign while Messi was still finding his feet at the senior level.
The prospect of goal No 1,000 arriving on the World Cup stage is the stuff of footballing fairy tales — and Ronaldo himself has acknowledged it during a recent interview. “You’ve been watching too many movies — that would be way too perfect,” he said, before adding: “Goals are always good to score. I want to play in this next World Cup; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. But one step at a time. If those numbers did come true, I’d end my career on a high.”
From a practical standpoint, the math makes the World Cup milestone difficult. Between now and the tournament, Al Nassr are expected to play roughly 20 official matches, excluding friendlies and potential squad rotation. If Portugal make a deep run, Ronaldo could feature in up to seven or eight World Cup matches — giving him approximately 25 to 30 games before and during the tournament, assuming no injuries.
Impressive form
To reach 1,000 goals before or during the World Cup, Ronaldo would need to average at least one goal per game — possibly more. That requirement exceeds his current scoring rate of roughly 0.74 goals per match, according to ESPN stats.
His recent form is impressive but it also tempers expectations. Across his last 20 matches, he has scored 15 goals, but that doesn’t match the kind of explosive run required to close a 36-goal gap in such a short span.
Historically, Ronaldo has scored just eight goals across five World Cup tournaments, which further highlights the challenge. For the milestone to happen on football’s biggest stage, he would need an extraordinary run of form.
A more realistic projection lies in his typical yearly output. Ronaldo has averaged around 40 goals per calendar year throughout his career. Based on that trend, the most logical window for goal No. 1,000 appears to be late 2026 or early 2027 — rather than at the World Cup itself.
GN
Sports
Winter Olympics 2026: Unforgettable, Heartwarming Moments
The Winter Olympic Games are often described as Summer games’ weird, chaotic sibling. As the world’s greatest sporting showcase, they serve as a hub for stories as wonderful as they are bizarre. The Games always throw up the unexpected, and Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has been no different. Take a glimpse to learn more:
Olympic Biathlon medal winner confesses cheating on girlfriend in candid statement
After winning bronze in the 20km individual biathlon, Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid confessed on TV to cheating on his girlfriend. Admitting to an affair, he called it his “my biggest mistake” and added it had been the worst week of his life since confessing to her. That same day, his ex-girlfriend wrote in Norwegian newspaper VG stating that she did not choose to be put in this public position.
Broken models
Broken models happened at Paris 24, and it happened again at Milan-Cortina 2026. Two of the USA’s gold medallists, Breezy Johnson and Alysa Liu, revealed the ribbon had come away from their medals soon after they received their prizes.
In this connection, Andea Francisci, Mila-Cortina 2026 chief Games operations officer said: “We are going to pay maximum attention to the medals. Obviously this is something we want to be perfect when the medal is handed over because this is one of the most important moments for the athletes.”
Controversy erupts after curlers accused of rule violations
The drama ignited when Canada’s Marc Kennedy became involved in a heated verbal exchange with Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson towards the end of his side’s 8-6 win. The Swedes contended that Kennedy was repeatedly double-touching some of his stones-an illegal move. That same day, Switzerland reported Kennedy for the same offense. World Curling then announced they would deploy extra officials for the remainder of the Games to monitor for such violations. Both incidents were deemed unintentional-the result of a veteran player accidentally making contact with the granite.
Is it a wolf or a dog?
During the Women’s cross-country team sprint qualifiers in Tesero, a large, silver-grey animal sprang onto the track. A Czechoslovakian Wolfdog had broken free of its owner and made its way onto the course, where it then chased a camera over the finish line.
In this regard: “ Konstantina Charalampiou said: “I became famous with a dog that came across the finish line and everyone wants to interview me now.”
The Minion in Milan
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate skated to a dynamic combination of music from the Minions animated film series, clad in a yellow T-shirt and blue dungarees to match the characters. Following negotiations with representatives for Pharell Willians-whose song Happy appears in Despicable Me 2 and was one of Sabate’s musical selections-an agreement was reached and he was granted permission to use the track.
Unsung heroes step into spotlight as video goes viral
Mark Callan, a resident of Montreal has become an internet sensation with his effortless, high-speed moonwalking on ice. The 61-year-old is the guy with the backpack and house, shuffling backwards toward the house inside the near-empty Cortina curling stadium, spraying plumes of water to prep the ice.
He has been the centre of attention at the Winter Olympics in northern Italy- a long way from the Forest Hills rink in Aberfoyle where he first experienced curling. He has impressed audiences with his performance and vibrant personality, though some of his most vital moments consist mainly of him falling over.
These individuals took the spotlight by performing at the Games. There is a workforce of approximately 25,000 people at these Games,18,000 of whom are volunteers. Ultimately, this season’s games are all about providing enchanting stories for the audience.
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