Dubai: The Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens is launching a Partner Schools Programme on Wednesday with its first school visit to English College Dubai.
Over 3,500 students from 20 schools across two emirates will be visited in the lead-up to the Dubai Sevens — November 30 to December 2 — a record number of schools since the programme launched five years ago.
Schools from across the UAE are invited to participate in the programme, which was launched to create a legacy from the Dubai Sevens.
The specially designed programmes motivate children to get involved in rugby, promote active lifestyles, encourage healthy living and learn about the nations participating at this year’s Dubai Sevens. All of this will be implemented through a range of academic and sporting activities at each school. In a special addition for this year’s programme, students are asked to ‘Adopt a Nation’ whereby they can support any of the 28 participating teams at this year’s event, learn about the country and have the opportunity to watch top players in action during training in Dubai.
Donal Kilalea, tournament commercial and operations manager, said: “Our partner schools programme has gained tremendous popularity over the years and it’s a great way to create awareness of the game at the grassroots level in a fun and engaging manner. We would like to thank World Rugby for their support in the new ‘Adopt a Nation’ initiative and we are sure the children will be very excited to see some world-class rugby players close-up in action. We would like to thank all participating schools and we look forward to visiting you in the next few weeks.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Dubai Sevens and fans can save Dh100 if they buy them in advance. Admission is free on the Thursday, but Dh300 in advance or Dh400 on the day each for Friday or Saturday. Season tickets encompassing all days are Dh500 in advance or Dh600 on the day. Children under-12 go free. And special reserved seating and corporate hospitality packages are available through www.dubairugby7s.com.
You can purchase tickets via www.dubairugby7s.com or at selected outlets including Costa, The Toy Store, Hallmark, Prosport, Virgin MegaStores and Park n Shop.
