The UAE School Games are all set for an exhilarating finale on May 18 with the spotlight turning to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai where the most accomplished athletes from various school contingents will vie for podium places.
The finals of the inaugural UAE School Games are set to take place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, will be present at the event, organized by the UAE School and University Sports Federation in collaboration with the General Authority of Sports and various sports federations and authorities. Sponsored by Etisalat e&, the tournament will feature 2,500 students from 350 schools competing in ten sports disciplines.
Dr. Al Falasi emphasized the UAE School Games' role in fostering a sporting culture among students, aiming to discover and nurture talented athletes aligned with the country's vision. Holding the inaugural edition underscores the leadership's commitment to promoting sports from a young age, benefiting both the sports sector and the community's overall well-being. The event aims to create a vibrant atmosphere for families and friends, encouraging participation in sports across society. A fan zone with live and e-games, rewards, and food options will enhance the overall experience, promoting an active lifestyle for all attendees.
The School Games is committed to broadening the scope of sports within schools and fostering a competitive sporting culture aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent early. The ultimate objective is to discover Emirati champions who can proudly represent the UAE on the global stage, including the Olympic Games. This effort is in line with the goals and missions outlined in the National Sports Strategy 2031 to ensure the nation’s sporting ambitions are well served in the long run.
In a multi-sport format designed for students aged 13 to 17, the School Games are organised across three levels, beginning with specialised training programmes customised for students who take an interest in various sporting disciplines. Following on from this, regional competitions are held in each emirate, which ultimately culminate in national-level competitions where participants compete at the highest level.
The Games provide a platform to promote the active involvement of school students across the UAE in sporting pursuits from an early age and represent a concerted effort involving the UAE School and University Sports Federation, educational institutions, and various other sports bodies. Operating under the oversight of the General Authority of Sports, the aim is to boost wider participation in sports, foster the development of budding Emirati athletes, and strengthen the nation’s presence on the sporting stage at the regional, continental, and global levels.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
