Mansoor bin Mohammed participates in the closing ceremony of the first-ever School Games at Expo City – Sports – Other

The inaugural edition of the School Games held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai concluded with a grand closing ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The event, which was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, saw 2,500 students from 350 schools across the UAE competing for top honors.

Organized by the UAE School and Sports Federation in partnership with the General Authority of Sports (GAS) and various sports federations and federal and local authorities, the tournament aimed to identify and nurture young talents in various sporting disciplines. Sponsored by Etisalat E& as the gold sponsor, the School Games provided a platform for budding athletes to showcase their skills and potential.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed praised the success of the first edition of the Games and highlighted the importance of building a strong sports system starting from schools. He emphasized the role of schools in identifying and encouraging young talents to reach their full potential, aligning with the National Olympic Committee’s goal of fostering a sustainable sports model for global success.

The closing ceremony, attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, honored 772 male and female students who excelled in various categories. A total of 1,840 students competed for podium places, showcasing their dedication and passion for sports.

The School Games followed a multi-sport format designed for students aged 13 to 17, with specialized training programs and regional competitions leading up to the national-level competitions. The event aimed to promote active involvement in sports among school students and strengthen the development of young Emirati athletes.

Operating under the oversight of the General Authority of Sports, the School Games represent a collaborative effort involving educational institutions, sports bodies, and the UAE School and University Sports Federation. The goal is to increase participation in sports, nurture budding athletes, and enhance the nation’s presence on the regional, continental, and global sporting stage.

The success of the inaugural edition of the School Games highlights the commitment of the UAE to promoting sports at the grassroots level and developing the next generation of athletes. With the support of key stakeholders and sponsors, the event provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and passion for sports, setting the stage for future editions to continue nurturing and celebrating athletic excellence in the UAE.