The 7th edition of School Olympics Programme

Ahmed bin Mohammed: The 7th edition of the Program raises hopes reposed in our children

The 7th edition of School Olympics Programme kicked yesterday, with the participation of 2074 students competing in 7 sports in 4 venues in Dubai.

Boys Badminton will be the first competition in the programme of the event where 128 students will come together in Asma bint Al-Noman Hall, and about 175 students will compete in the swimming events at the Hamdan Sports Complex.

The Programme comprises several games namely athletics, swimming, judo, taekwondo, fencing, badminton and archery. Four venues will host the events namely Hamdan Sports Complex (swimming), Dubai Police Officers’ Club (athletics), Al Hudaibiya Hall (Judo, badminton and archery, and Asma bint Al-Noman Hall (fencing and taekwondo).

Commenting on the Programme, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, President of National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Higher Committee for School Olympics, said, “The launch of the school Olympics for the seventh year in a row raises the hopes pinned in identifying more talents in our boys and girls in various individual sports. The succession of the Programme revealed the role of schools in supporting and educating students about the importance of practising sport and familiarising with its rules at an early stage.

 “This edition of the Programme focuses on broadening students participation in individual sports to enable harnessing their raw talents in abundance in schools across the UAE. The Programme is implemented in response to the directives of our leaders to provide all resources for youngsters and establish a strong base of budding athletes who will help in forming promising future generations.

 “Competitions this time coincide with the Year of Tolerance, and once again it stresses the role of the Programme in promoting the principles of love, fraternity and fair play among the kids; which is a high priority of the Programme. I would wish to avail this opportunity to thank HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and their brothers Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates for the unlimited support and great attention to the sports sector, which is reflected on the performance of athletes in various sports events and events,” he added.

HE Husain Al Hamadi, Minister of Education, praised the efforts of the NOC President towards improving national sports and empowering participants with sufficient resources, thanks to the support of our leaders.

He praised the role of the NOC in supporting students and directing their talents in the right path guided by the best global practices worldwide, such that it will yield highly skilled, competitive and professional cadres.

He commended the attention paid to sports practices in local schools and the vision of schools matching with the interests of students who have every chance to excel and be professional in various mental, physical and psychological aspects. We urge our students to take part in the Programme to hone their skills and qualify for specialist international sports events.

HE Humaid Al Qattami, Vice President of UAE NOC cum Chairman of the Executive Council, said, “The School Olympics Programme has instilled the culture of excellence and knowledge in our students all over the UAE. We are thrilled with the launch of the 7th version of the Programme. Competitions will flow over 8 days in the right time format. The Programme plays a key role in forming the personality of the student at an early stage and sets the goals and ambitions of kids such that they will be enabled to achieve their goals scientifically in collaboration with strategic partners.

 “The Programme is privileged by the direct attention and follow up of the President of the NOC in view of its importance and noble objectives namely identifying talents at sources and nurturing them in the schools. Since launched, the Programme proved an important step in identifying talents in various individual sports; and it has rendered us under a constant challenge to improve and contribute fruitful ideas,” he added.

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