DUBAI – Schools are instrumental in motivating the next generation to envision the future of the UAE and beyond, stated Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
He emphasized that leadership highly values education, with sports being a fundamental component in fostering a generation ready to shape the nation’s destiny.
Sheikh Mansoor highlighted the energy and enthusiasm instilled in young minds through sports and physical education, which refine their inherent talents and intellect.
During a visit to recognize the winners of the second Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Sports Education School, he awarded the Dubai International Academy and Al-Maaref School for Boys. The DSC presents this honor to one public and one private school for their exemplary sports programs and accomplishments.
Sheikh Mansoor noted that Dubai’s schools attract students of various nationalities seeking holistic education. He further stated that these schools emphasize well-rounded education, with a sports culture enhancing personality development and skill refinement, whether in science labs or on the field.
“Owing to the leadership’s support for education and continuous efforts to enhance our educational institutions, our schools have nurtured talents across multiple domains,” he said.
“Our schools have effectively fed our clubs and national teams, producing standout athletes and champions who have clinched esteemed titles in local, regional, and international tournaments. As such, our schools warrant special accolades for the sports excellence they foster. This sentiment led to the creation of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Sports Education School, and we’re honored to recognize the two deserving institutions and express our gratitude for their commitment,” he added.
Sheikh Mansoor was joined by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Chairman of the General Sports Authority, along with other esteemed officials including Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology; Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet; and Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of DSC.
The Dubai Sports Council introduced the Hamdan bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Sports Education School as a part of the Sports Innovation Lab’s initiatives. This initiative was inaugurated in 2016 with the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as well as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
The award’s objective is to motivate schools to identify and nurture budding sports talents from an early age. It ensures these talents receive the requisite training and resources to either represent clubs and national teams or excel in individual sports. Additionally, the program promotes sports events in both public and private schools, emphasizing character development among students.