Page 69 - MOS PR REPORT - MAY 2025

5/27/25, 8:54 AM Second edition of UAE School Games concludes, honouring 1,365 male and female student winners across 12 sports categories
United Arab Emirates, 26 May 2025-

The finale of the second edition of the UAE School Games successfully concluded at the Dubai Exhibition
Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE
National Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various other sports
federations and local educational authorities.

The closing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; H.E. Issa Hilal Al
Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the
Ministry of Sports; H.E. Mohammed Hamza Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education; H.E.

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness
at the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development
Authority (KHDA), H.E. Dr. Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation; H.E.

Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation.; along with several presidents of national sports
federations and officials from the nation's sports and education sectors and related fields. During the
ceremony, H.E. Al Falasi honored the 1,365 male and female students who emerged as victors in various
competitions from among 2,686 finalists.

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized the crucial role that the UAE School Games
Championship plays in shaping the future of sports in the country. His Excellency stated: 'It serves as a
platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age. This initiative reflects our dedication to

integrating sports into the school environment, encouraging healthy competition, and instilling core values
such as discipline, teamwork, and national belonging in our youth. Throughout the championship, we have
seen remarkable examples of emerging talents that signal a bright future for Emirati sports.'

His Excellency further emphasized that the School Games reflect a comprehensive model of collaboration
between the sports and education sectors, aligning with the UAE's vision to closely integrate athletics within
the academic space. He said: “We are committed to implementing systematic programs for talent

identification in partnership with the UAE National Olympic Committee. These efforts are central to achieving
one of our key strategic objectives—to have over 30 Emirati athletes compete in the Olympic Games by
2032. We are already making strong progress toward achieving this ambition.”

His Excellency expressed his gratitude to all partners, including educational and sports organizations, as well
as parents, for their vital role in the championship's success. He conveyed pride in the achievements made
so far and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to establish school sports as a strong foundation
for the long-term development of athletes. He noted that this ongoing dedication is essential for cultivating a

new generation of athletes who will enhance the UAE's standing in the international sports arena.

The finals showcased intense competition among students aged 9 to 17, representing 875 schools from

various emirates across the UAE. Participants competed in 12 sports disciplines, including athletics,
swimming, fencing, badminton, judo, taekwondo, archery, football, jiu-jitsu, shooting, chess, and table tennis.

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