Global Olympic and sport figures join Qatar in celebrating champions of tomorrow
Doha
In a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and spirited competition reflecting the powerful synergy between sport and education, Qatar marked the grand finale of the 18th edition of the Schools Olympic Program for the 2024–2025 academic year. The event took place on Thursday at the iconic Aspire Dome and was attended by over 6,000 students, parents, and spectators, as well as a host of distinguished international guests.
Among the prominent figures in attendance were H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee; H.E. Lolwah Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Zeljko Tanaskovic, President of the International School Sport Federation; H.E. Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana, First Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; and H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, QOC Secretary-General.
These distinguished guests, including leaders in sports, education, and Olympic movements joined senior QOC officials and Qatari athletes on a tour of the various student competitions, organized under the supervision of the Presidents of Qatar's national sports federations, who also oversaw the medal ceremonies.
Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee crowned the winners of volleyball competitions.
A special highlight for attendees was the opportunity to take commemorative photos with the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 trophy, which was showcased in a dedicated pavilion as part of the SOP 's promotional activities.
The 18th edition of SOP saw record-breaking participation, with a total of 21,000 students, boys and girls from public and private schools across Qatar. They competed in 28 different sports, including football, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), volleyball, artistic gymnastics, swimming, handball, fencing, table tennis, tennis, padel, athletics, taekwondo, shooting, wrestling, hockey, karate, judo, calisthenics, esports, weightlifting, triathlon, cricket, curling, rugby, beach volleyball, cycling , and boccia for students with special needs.
The SOP was launched as a national initiative inspired by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar. The QOC and the Ministry of Education and Higher Educationjointly implemented the program in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association and the Qatar Paralympic Committee.
The program first launched in the 2007–2008 school year under the theme 'Sport and Health,' as a lasting legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games. Its primary goals are to instill a sporting culture within schools, discover and nurture young talent, and promote healthy lifestyles among youth. Qatar is proudly the first country in the region and one of the pioneers globally to implement such a comprehensive initiative across its educational institutions.
The SOP has gone from strength to strength. In its first year, 5,000 students from 100 schools took part. Participation continued to rise each year: 2008–2009: 'Sport and the Environment', 2009–2010: 'Sport and Culture', 2010–2011: 'Sport and Education', 2011–2012: 'Sport and Family,' which saw around 20,000 participantsand 6th Edition'Sport and Investment,' with 23,000 students.
Since its inception, the program has been organized annually by the QOC, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar School Sports Association, with each edition launched under a theme that reflects Qatar's commitment to embedding sport within both the education system and wider society.
The program has earned regional and international acclaim. During the 2014 edition, held under the theme 'Sport and Integrity,' the finals were attended by Wilfried Lemke, UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace. That edition drew over 26,000 participants, a testament to the program's global reputation and its value in promoting sportsmanship and ethical values among youth.
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