Friendly Splash At Dubai College

Dubai College and Doha College continued their historic 24-year association when the two Gulf neighbours met at the former's campus in their annual sports exchange programme.

The activity, which sees the two schools visit each other every alternate year to participate in a string of sporting disciplines, began way back in the early 1980s. But both parties insist that over the years, the two-day affair has evolved into a wide and popular social network.

"The primary motive was to create a competition for the kids, now it has become a major part of the school calendar," said Andy Jones, head of physical education at Dubai College. "It is much more than just about who is going to win. It is a great tradition and the kids love it."

And friendships built during the programme are for keeps, according to Graham Penso,n who handles marketing affairs at Dubai College. "There are at least 500 students who are now working in the Emirates and have carried on their friendships from the programme to university and also their working lives," said Penson.

Some, like the Doha College boys senior squad captain, Adam Bolton, are in their final year. And one could almost sense the regret in his voice as he said: "I have been involved ever since I was seven. Socially it's a very good experience where you meet a lot of new people. On the sporting side, it is extremely competitive but at the end, everybody feels a sense of achievement."

Jenny Adamson, the Dubai College girls senior squad captain, had a similar take. "It is a nice social gathering where we all meet and interact. The sporting side of it is competitive but friendly and competitive where you're trying hard but also having fun," said Adamson. "I am still in touch with my host from last year's trip to Doha so you stay long lasting friends."

But excelling at as many as eight to nine sports is no mean feat as Doha College girls senior squad captain Karlien Viljoen explained. "You have to be an all-rounder when you come here. You need to be good at all sports so that's a bit tiring but it is a challenge," said the 18-year-old.

For now, the 2007 edition may have ended but excitement is already building up ahead of next year which marks the programme's 25th anniversary. "We are looking forward to it and hope to put up something quite big for the occasion," said Gary Froud, the sports-co-ordinator at Doha College.

Results At A Glance

Junior Girls