Latest news with #SchoolsOlympicProgram
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Schools Olympic Program Finals 2024–25
Qatar marked the grand finale of the 18th edition of the Schools Olympic Program 2024–2025 at the Aspire Dome on Thursday. 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.
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Global Olympic and sport figures join Qatar in celebrating champions of tomorrow
Tribune News Network 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.
Qatar Tribune
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Academy hosts Qatar's maiden school triathlon race
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), hosted the first edition of the triathlon race under the Schools Olympic Program (SOP), at Education City. The event was organised in collaboration between QF's Pre-University Education and the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), represented by the organising committee of the SOP. The initiative supports Qatar's national vision of promoting sports as a way of life and instilling Olympic values in students. The sporting event also builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between QF and the SOP organising committee. The agreement seeks to embed the concept of sport as a lifestyle within the school community and to cultivate Olympic values among younger generations by offering competitive platforms that empower students to explore and develop their talents. The triathlon drew wide participation from students across the country, with competitors representing 12 nationalities from six QF schools and 35 external schools. Participants took on the multi-stage challenge, swimming, cycling, and running, with each course tailored to match their age groups and physical abilities, ensuring an inclusive and engaging experience for all. Abdulla Shaheen Al-Kaabi, head of Sports at QF's PUE, emphasised that QF is committed to providing holistic educational experiences that expand students' horizons, not only inside the classroom but also through sports and physical activities. 'We were keen to give our students the opportunity to explore triathlon, a sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running, as a new experience that builds physical fitness, self-discipline, and endurance. These are core values we aim to instill in our students. 'The educational and awareness activities that introduced students to this sport during last year's National Sport Day served as a foundation for today's active participation in a real competition. It boosts their self-confidence and helps them acquire new skills in a safe, motivating environment.' Al-Kaabi noted that the event's purpose goes beyond competition. It provides a platform to discover and nurture students' potential in triathlon. Through strategic partnerships with specialised sports institutions, the initiative aims to further develop their abilities and open new pathways for athletic and professional growth. 'By organising diverse sports competitions and activities, QF ensures an inclusive environment that welcomes all students, regardless of ability or interest, reinforcing the values of inclusion and integration in education,' he added. Launched in 2007 by the QOC in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Schools Olympic Program (SOP) aims to integrate sports into education, develop student talent, raise awareness of the role of sports in enhancing quality of life, and help build a healthy, well-balanced society.
