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Sports drive launched in Abu Dhabi schools

Adec, sports council to promote culture of sports, build teams

Students demonstrate their martial arts skills as part of a sport demonstration tour during the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s Press conference held to announce the Champions of Tomorrow campaign on Sunday. — KT photo by Nezar Balout

Abu Dhabi - Getting students into sports to develop a healthier lifestyle and create a pool of talented athletes were the key aim of the ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ campaign, which was launched on Sunday by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Adec Director-General, said the campaign primarily aims to transform schools into a sports-friendly environment and build a new generation of talents in leadership, sports and fitness to promote the UAE on the international sports arena.

“We believe that sports in our schools should be part of our student lifestyle as sports build personality, physical and intellectual health… support and enhance self-confidence and build their skills… their sense of fairness, teamwork and communication,” she said.

“We also want to build a great sports team in a very good and healthy environment by enhancing sports in schools,” she added.

Dr Aref Al Awani, general secretary of the ADSC, noted the importance of discovering, preparing and rehabilitating athletes at an early age.

“We believe that school-based sports are important in the Olympics level,” he said.

The campaign targets over 50 per cent of students this year — around 84,000 students are expected to attend — in public schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.

Several activities will be held as part of the campaign, including an open day in mid-February and the Adec marathon will be held at Yas Arena on February 26 which will be participated by around 3,000 students. Other sporting events at different venues will be announced at a later time. 

The campaign will kick off with nine Olympic games, divided into three categories — the compulsory games (football and athletics), individual games (swimming, gymnastics, fencing, judo) and supplementary games (handball, basketball, volleyball).

Students competing in these categories will first have to compete at the school level (within the school) for all cycles. Winners will then compete at the regional level (each cycle competed separately) and finally at the Adec level.

Three awards will be given to the winning schools at a ceremony to be held during the summer festival at the end of this academic year.

According to Dr Al Qubaisi, the campaign will include the private schools next year. More games are also expected to be added to the categories.

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of School Operations at the Adec, said the council is committed to raising sports awareness among students by offering the right environment and providing young athletes with the necessary tools to achieve excellence at the local, regional and international levels.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com