Ali Ghurbal may be our Finance Accounts Officer, but he’s known around BMMI Bahrain for his love of sport. As a member of the Sports & Social Committee (S&SC) his passion for sports has grown. In this issue, Ali focuses on the benefits that partaking in activities has on you, as an employee.

The S&SC plays a major role in providing all employees with healthy habits and attitudes. BMMI is a company that cares for its employees’ wellbeing; therefore setting up programmes and activities for all its employees is essential. There are many reasons why it is important to have such a committee introduced to a large company like BMMI, such as to keep staff busy with useful activities, as well as bring out important aspects of their personality as they get to know other colleagues around the Group…after all, BMMI comprises of over 2,000 employees.

Although the committee is based in Bahrain, that doesn’t mean that all of our colleagues overseas shouldn’t be taking part in any sports. Getting involved in team activities not only allows you to learn more about yourself, but it also allows you to build confidence, have a sense of social responsibility, increase your self-esteem and build on skills that you may lack in the workplace such as communication and team work abilities. It also allows you to take on more responsibilities, which allows you to grow as a person.

Employees at BMMI benefit greatly from the available programmes and activites on offer. By interacting with other employees, friendships are born, and they are able to learn from one another, as well as exchange opinions, learn more about themselves through the eyes of their colleagues, and consequently feel rewarded for the positive experience. Not only may this aid in their happiness at work, knowing they have someone to talk to when needed, but it makes the employee feel more secure and comfortable in his or her place.

One of the most important advantages in taking part in a committee is the sense of responsibility the employee feels. They can only rely on themselves. For example, it is their responsibility to turn up to an activity, or a meeting, and it is also their choice whether to become involved in the decision making process. Speaking for myself, I have become very much involved in the S&SC and love to come up with new initiatives and ideas, as well as encourage other colleagues to take part. I think the process has allowed me to learn more about myself as a person, as well as increased by communication skills. I have always been a team player, and that may be why I love sports, but being part of this committee has really fine-tuned my skills. I have made plenty of friendships throughout the years I have been on the committee and it is something I find important in my happiness in the workplace.

Many employees have a lot of free time, and some spend it reading, watching TV or even just taking a short nap. However, some people find it difficult to fill up their free time. They often find an activity that isn’t necessarily doing them any good and at times may be undesirable, especially in our society. We have been faced with many troubled teenagers in Bahrain due to the fact that they are bored and have nothing to do with their time. It’s all about finding something you enjoy, and doing it with people who appreciate it, just as much as you do. Sport activities are considered the best weapon to face these social problems.

People are usually interested in sports to develop health and fitness, as well as to take part in activities and have the opportunity to meet new people…they may even find a hobby to take up their time. Sport is considered among the most essential aspect in developing an individual and allowing them to adapt into their society.

It is clear that sport plays a very important role in an individual’s development. There is a very strong relationship between education and sports, since the latter is considered as an integral part of learning and ensures a social, psychological, mental and physical development on those who practice it frequently.

For our colleagues overseas who have a keen interest in sport activities and would like to start a committee, kindly contact myself or HR Operations & Admin Manager, Mohammed Turaif, by emailing sportsocialcommittee@bmmi.com.bh. We’re always here to support you and would love to see you get involved in activities.

Employees based in Bahrain who would like to join the committee, may also send across their details to the same email and we can provide you with more information. You can even suggest a sport that we don’t already provide…get in touch!