### Celebrating Young Athletes: The Fifth Dubai Schools Games
The Dubai Sports Council has once again proven its commitment to nurturing young sporting talent by successfully crowning the winners of the fifth edition of the Dubai Schools Games. This event is not just any competition; it stands as the largest school sports event in the emirate, serving as a vital platform for identifying and cultivating the next generation of athletes.
### Record-Breaking Participation
This year, the Dubai Schools Games witnessed unprecedented participation, with thousands of enthusiastic students taking part across the emirate. Organized in collaboration with ESM, the event’s operational partner, and sponsored by Midea, it showcased the growing interest in school sports within Dubai. The sheer scale of participation emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in fostering a love for sports among the youth.
### Distinguished Guests and Visionary Leadership
The awards ceremony was graced by notable figures, including H.E. Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and H.E. Ghanem Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports. Their presence, along with other prominent figures from Dubai’s sports community, underscored the significance of the event. H.E. Belhoul articulated that the Dubai Schools Games reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on making school sports the bedrock of a robust athletic framework within the emirate.
### The Importance of Sports in Character Development
H.E. Khalfan Belhoul emphasized that engaging students in sports is not merely about competition; it plays a crucial role in building strong character, supporting physical and mental health, and unearthing athletic talents. The Games are seen as a cornerstone of the Dubai Sports Council’s strategy aimed at discovering and nurturing young athletes, aligning with the broader goal of establishing Dubai as a global hub for talent development across various spheres, notably in sports.
### A Platform for Emerging Talent
The Games featured impressive participation figures, with over 84,000 students from 165 public and private schools competing in 22 sports disciplines over a nine-month span, from October 2024 to June 2025. Remarkably, 9,000 student-athletes advanced to the final competitive stages, showcasing their skills in both Olympic and non-Olympic sports. This platform is instrumental in identifying and developing emerging talents, allowing them the chance to shine in an ideal sporting environment.
### Celebrating Excellence in School Sports
The closing ceremony was an exciting affair, honoring more than 300 outstanding student-athletes who excelled during the extensive competition season. In the Primary School Division, GEMS Modern Academy took home first place, followed closely by Jumeirah Primary School and Dubai English Speaking School. The Secondary School Division also saw GEMS Modern Academy bagging the first position, with GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail and GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis following suit.
### Expanding the Horizons of School Sports
This year’s Dubai Schools Games highlighted the rapid growth of school sports in the emirate. Thousands of students participated in a variety of sports ranging from traditional games like football, volleyball, and basketball to unique activities such as fencing, ice skating, rhythmic gymnastics, and even e-sports and online chess. Special competitions for People of Determination were also included, ensuring inclusivity in sports. Additionally, a teacher’s tournament added a fun twist to the event, further promoting a community spirit among educators.
### A Bright Future for Student Athletes
Marco Vocale, the Commercial Director at ESM, noted the exceptional nature of the 2024-2025 season. With increased participation and memorable sporting moments, the event has set a high bar for future competitions. Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand the platform, introducing new events and sports to engage even more students. This expansion aims to bolster competition, foster a vibrant sporting spirit, and continue laying a strong foundation for athletics in Dubai.
### Commitment to Continuous Development
The UAE’s emphasis on sports and well-being is encapsulated in the success of the Dubai Schools Games. By continually supporting young athletes and engaging them in diverse sporting activities, the initiative aims to cultivate not just future sports stars but well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.
