UAE School and University Sports Federation and Ferrero GCC Sign MoU to Boost Youth Physical Activity and Support UAE School Games
The UAE School and University Sports Federation and Ferrero GCC have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports. This agreement, announced during a press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, aims to enhance physical activity in schools across the UAE and bolster the UAE School Games.
Objectives of the Partnership
The primary goal of this collaboration is to promote physical activity among students and support the UAE School Games, aligning with the Ministry of Sports’ objectives and the National Sports Strategy 2031. The initiative seeks to identify and nurture athletic talent, cultivate future champions, and encourage a healthy lifestyle among children and youth nationwide.
E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation, along with Fabio Grilli, Regional Managing Director of Ferrero Gulf, signed the MoU.
Support for the UAE School Games
Under the terms of the MoU, Ferrero GCC will provide support for the UAE School Games over the next three years, commencing with the 2026/2027 edition. This support will be part of Ferrero’s corporate social responsibility initiative, ‘Joy of Moving,’ which aims to promote youth-focused physical activities and healthy lifestyle choices while facilitating the effective organization and execution of the championship.
Ferrero’s ‘Joy of Moving’ program is designed to inspire children and families to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles. The initiative features science-based activities that enhance motor skills in both home and recreational settings, collaborating with various global organizations, including Olympic committees and sports federations.
Strategic Importance of the MoU
E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum emphasized that this partnership marks a significant step in the Ministry’s and Federation’s efforts to discover and develop local sporting talent. It aims to provide the necessary resources for young athletes to thrive in a supportive educational and sports environment, fostering a generation equipped with the skills and values essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati sports on both regional and global stages.
He stated that the MoU reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation to support youth by offering comprehensive care that develops their talents from an early age through specialized training programs and ongoing technical and administrative support. This approach aligns with the National Sports Strategy 2031, which aims to expand competitive sports participation in the UAE and strengthen the nation’s presence in global events.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Ferrero GCC’s Fabio Grilli remarked on the honor of collaborating with the Federation to enhance community well-being and the sports ecosystem. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reinforce their commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle within the community. Grilli highlighted that this partnership underscores both the Federation’s and Ferrero’s dedication to the Ministry of Sports’ vision of fostering healthier, more active communities.
The MoU outlines plans for both parties to explore public-private partnerships to promote sports and physical activity, ensuring broader participation in sports across schools and universities. They will also launch programs aimed at encouraging youth engagement in sports.
Additionally, the collaboration will focus on creating community awareness initiatives that promote physical activities and healthy lifestyles for families. Training sessions and workshops will be organized to emphasize youth health and instill a culture of physical activity within the community, facilitating the exchange of expertise and educational resources.
Interactive Activities at UAE School Games
As part of the UAE School Games, interactive activity zones will be established, welcoming both children and parents under the ‘Joy of Moving’ initiative. These zones will be managed by certified coaches, providing innovative physical activities designed to strengthen the bond between families and sports. This initiative aligns with national priorities and the vision of the ‘Year of the Family 2026,’ contributing to the Ministry’s goal of enhancing quality of life and fostering a cohesive, healthy society.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-06-16 16:58:00 • By the Editorial Desk
