The Abu Dhabi Sports Council expects more than 250 public and private schools to take part in a new initiative to develop youth sports in the emirate.
In partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Department of Knowledge and Education, the ADSC announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Schools Champions, a new multi-sports league aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among schoolchildren.
The inaugural schools championships consists of seven sporting disciplines: football, volleyball, basketball, handball, athletics, swimming and gymnastics for boys and girls in three age categories.
“A school competition was much needed in Abu Dhabi and we are very glad to finally get it off the ground,” Aref Al Awani, general secretary of ADSC, said during the launch ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
“Our aim of these competitions is to encourage, develop and improve the level of sports among the boys and girls in both public and private schools, and also to unearth potential talents in all the sporting disciplines.”
The competitions are free to enter and scheduled to run from November to March at schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra in the Western Region. Schools can register at www.champions.adsc.ae.
According to Talal Al Hashemi, ADSC’s director of the championships, invites have already been sent to 411 schools. There will be prizes for winners including a trip to visit Premier League champions Manchester City as well as trials for sports scholarships.
“We expect more than 250 schools to participate in this inaugural championship which will become an annual event from now on,” Al Hashemi said.
“There are a lot of incentives for the winning teams, athletes and coaches in each category. They will receive prizes that include a visit to the English Premier League club Manchester City and the La Liga with all the agreements we have signed with them.
“The prizes also include lots of awards like the Player of the Tournament, Best School, the Best coach, Fair Play awards and so on. We want to make this an instant success.
“The top athletes from the championships will be picked through our talent identification platforms and those selected will be given rounds of trials and eligible for sports scholarships.”
Hussein Murad, chief executive officer of Inspiratus, a management company working with ADSC and the Ministry of Education to deliver the schools championships, added: “The championships will play an important overall role in youth development at all levels. It will help them not only develop their sports skills, but also develop their leadership skills, including teamwork, focus, humility and commitment.”
