His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today patronize the opening ceremony of the first edition of the GCC Games. The Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the maiden championship, which runs until October 22. Around 1500 athletes will compete in ten sports: football, basket ball, hand ball, volley ball, athletics, swimming, cycling, bowling, women table tennis and goal ball for the blind.  The Royal patronage reflects HM King Hamad\'s keenness to promote the sport movement and provide all support to ensure the success of the maiden GCC Sport Tournament. The Royal patronage is also a source of honour for athletes in the Kingdom of Bahrain and other GCC countries and an utmost catalyst for all parties to ensure the success of the championship. The first edition of the GCC Games (Bahrain 11) reaffirms Bahrain\'s pioneering role in launching GCC sport events and ensuring fertile grounds for their success. The Kingdom of Bahrain made history hosting the first edition of the GCC Football Championship in 1970. It also played host to the GCC Beach Games 2010.