Page 27 - MOS PR REPORT - January 2025

1/15/25, 9:41 AM Second edition of UAE School Games to kick off in January - Middle East News 247
This high-level school sports competition highlights the UAE’s commitment to discovering and nurturing
exceptional athletic talent, while also encouraging the broader development of sports across the country.

Designed to inspire youth to embrace active and healthy lifestyles, the UAE School Games play a crucial role
in increasing sports participation nationwide.

The event will be organised by the UAE Sports Federation for the Institutions of School and University
Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, the UAE National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of

Education, and key partners from the country’s sports and education sectors. It will feature 12 sports,
including football, swimming, athletics, judo, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, archery, fencing, badminton, and shooting.
This year, the championship will include table tennis and chess for the first time, following a survey
conducted by the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions among

participating schools. Furthermore, expanded age categories will ensure broader student participation across
all levels.

His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Secretary-General of the UAE Sports Federation for the
Institutions of School and University Education, said: “The School Games exemplify the Ministry of Sports’

dedication to fostering sports as a strong foundation for developing national athletes. It plays a crucial role in
achieving the objectives outlined in the National Sports Strategy 2031, notably the goal of having over 30
Emirati players who qualify for the 2032 Summer Olympics.”

His Excellency added: “Schools are pivotal in nurturing the next generation of professional athletes across
diverse sporting disciplines. The School Games serve as a vital platform, expanding opportunities for Emirati

athletes to excel on the global stage. This aligns perfectly with the wise leadership’s vision to develop young
talent across all sectors, with a particular focus on sports. The goal is to foster a generation of highly skilled
athletes capable of achieving remarkable success at the Olympic, continental, and international levels.”

The UAE School Games has experienced significant growth and success, with a notable increase in the
number of participants since its trial edition. The First edition of this championship attracted over 3,500

student participants, marking a substantial increase from its trial edition. Notably, female participation has

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