Dubai: Perhaps, it was the UAE’s sub-par performance at the 2012 London Olympic Games that made the authorities contemplate a re-think.
Or possibly, the plan was always to have a credible and authentic grassroots development programme that could harness hidden talent and fuel national ambition and pride while competing on the international stage.
Whatever the reason, the launch of the UAE School Olympics earlier this summer is by far the most ambitious project to unearth talent that has ever been launched in the country to date.
The UAE never had a proper grassroots programme that could sustain a system of developing and nurturing sports talent.
At its launch, Ebrahim Abdul Malek, Secretary General of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW) lauded the UAE School Olympics, saying the project was long overdue.
“Frankly, we never had sport as a priority for our students. Now with the launch of the School Olympics, everything will change and sport will receive the attention it deserves,” Abdul Malek told media at the launch in the second half of September.
With Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) fully endorsing the year-long competition while urging officials to put in every effort to ensure its success, there is no reason for skepticism that this is something bound to deliver results.
“Even though we have various sports competitions through the academic year, it was as though sport had walked away from our curriculum,” Abdul Malek observed.
Two Olympic Games have gone now without a single medal for the UAE.
This can be quite a frightening thought — more so with some of the best available talent nearing the completion of their careers — hence the timing of the project was perfect.
The ideals embodied in the project are in line with ‘Vision 2021’ as outlined by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whereby he wishes this growing nation to be ever more ambitious in achieving in all sectors including sport.
It is jointly backed by the GAYSW, the Ministry of Education and the various sports bodies and associations in the UAE.
Abdul Malek added: “It has taken us time to arrive at this juncture and we are glad to be back on the right track so that this programme can bear fruit in due course.”
For sure, sustaining the UAE School Olympics is not a task for just a handful of people. It is the collective responsibility of all, be it at the family stages or the community-level. Everyone ought to contribute and ensure this programme bears fruit so that the UAE shines at the international level of sport.
