Second edition of ‘School Olympics' sends strong message from young generation

[UAE, April 14, 2014] – The first national qualifying rounds of the second edition of the School Olympics start today (Monday, April 14, 2014) and will extend until April 29, 2014. The final phase will be held next month at the Dubai Police Officers Club. Sports competitions for girls aged 13 to 14 are currently being staged at various educational zones as follows: archery at the Ajman Education Zone, shooting at the Al Dhaid Cultural & Sports Club, and fencing at ABN Model School.

Generation - Building
The School Olympics is considered one of the most important programs launched by the government in support of school activities that enhance the level of physical and technical skills of students.  This project  builds on the vision of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Olympic Games, to champion the essence of National Sports – the youth.

The holding of various sports and physical fitness activities across the entire country and the emphasis of their importance helps ensure the formation of a generation capable of representing the state in all regional and international competitions and proudly raising
the country’s flag on the winners’ podiums.

Desired Objectives
The Executive Office of the Olympics headed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aims to achieve the various objectives behind the establishment of the program, such as the selection of sporting talents and the full development of student abilities through the fostering of values upholding sporting and Olympic

principles. The Office also wants to inculcate a love for fair competition, to identify and address challenges, and to promote and support the role of school sports in harnessing the full potential of youths. It is currently drawing greater awareness on the importance of adopting a culture of sports to maintain overall health and fitness.

Organization and Arrangement
The Team in charge of the Olympics continues to oversee the last phase of the event to ensure that the venues are in order and fully capable of hosting the finals. The deciding matches are opportunities for students from around the country to give their best and deliver excellent performances.

Commenting on the launch, Hassan Lootah, Director of Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and Head of the Educational Zones Committee handling the School Olympics, said: “The School Olympics is considered an important national athletic and cultural program that upholds the ideals of the Olympic movement and enhances national identity through the holding of competitions supported by sports federations and national teams. It builds a young base of promising athletes from which the national teams can recruit exceptional talents.”

“During this event’s second edition we will invest on the discovery of promising and talented young athletes engaged in various school-organized sports,” Lootah concluded.

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