Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa today patronised the opening of the 3rd GCC Skills Contest at Isa Cultural Centre. The ceremony was attended by Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi and GCC Secretary-General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani. Dr. Al-Nuaimi addressed the event, thanking Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa for patronising the contest, which reflects Bahrain\'s keenness on promoting youth. He highlighted Bahrain\'s drive to upgrade technical education in Bahrain in partnership with official and private sector enterprises. He also underlined efforts to benefit from international expertise, stressing particularly cooperation with the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Dr. Al-Nuaimi then declared the 3rd GCC Skills Contest opened, wishing al the participants success in this scientific gathering which brings together GCC youth. The opened ceremony feature a festival titled \"Homeland For All\", reflecting Bahrain and GCC joint heritage. The Interior Ministry band also contributed to the opening ceremony staging a musical show. An exhibition showcasing productive families\' items is also being held on the sidelines of the 3rd GCC Skills Contest. The contenders will compete in several skills, including plumbing, website designing, graphics, robotics, cars, office applications, computer networking and electricity. A exhibition titled ((Skills Expo 2013) is also being held as part of the 3rd GCC Skills Contest, which will conclude on April 2. Source: BNA