The next generation of the UAE’s sporting stars will compete in 13 sports disciplines at the event.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi’s school community will swap classrooms for courts, pitches, the track and more as the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools and Universities reaches a thrilling finale.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the annual championship, which this year attracted 26,000 students across 403 public and charter schools, and 18 universities spanning the emirate’s education ecosystem, will culminate this weekend at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, from March 1-3.

The next generation of the UAE’s sporting stars, and ace athletes, will shine and champions will be crowned in 13 sports disciplines: from athletics to volleyball, badminton to fencing, basketball to football and more.

A strategic initiative that aligns with the Abu Dhabi leadership’s vision to embed both competitive and recreational sportsmanship into the educational ecosystem, the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship has significantly expanded this year, giving even more sporting hopefuls the opportunity to go for glory and the chance to take potential first steps onto a professional sports pathway.

Expert scouts have attended many of the events to identify stand-out students to join ADEK’s talent identification and development programs in addition to summer camps at leading international sports academies such as IMG Academy, the global institution in sports training and education. Aspiring student athletes will also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships in related fields of study.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools and Universities underlines ADEK’s commitment to not only give athletic talent a platform to perform but to embed a culture of physical wellbeing and lifelong activity that starts from the grassroots level. By expanding the scope of championship gifted students have been encouraged to excel in competitive sports arenas.

Since the championship’s inception in 2022, ADEK has evolved the competition, moving it beyond the initial focus on football. The 2024 edition saw an expanded league-format in team sports including futsal for Under-9s and Under-11s, as well as football and volleyball for Under-13s, Under-15s, Under-17s, and Under-19s, and basketball for Under-14s and Under-19s. Individual sports included judo, taekwondo, triathlon, cross country, athletics, indoor and open water swimming, cycling, badminton, archery, and fencing for Under-13s, Under-15s, Under-17s, and Under-19s, as well as shooting for Under-15s, Under-17s, and Under-19s.

Finals weekend will kick off from 3pm on Friday, 1 March, with playoffs and finals for 13 sports disciplines, while day two witnessing even more action. The championship will reach its crescendo on 3 March with the U15 football finals for boys and girls.

In addition to action on the field, parents, families and the wider community can expect plenty of sport inspired activities and challenges at the dedicated fan zone.

The grand finale day will see the official crowning ceremony starting with the winners’ parade, where over 1,000 student athletes will march to the podium accompanied by music bands and live entertainment.