GAS discusses ways to spot talent through school c’ships
DUBAI: Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, Chairman of the General Authority of Sports, and the Chairman of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education, held the second meeting with the Federation’s Board of Directors, to discuss various means to discover sports talents through school championships and enhance their contribution to the sports sector.
This is in line with the `Principles of the 50’, which focuses on increasing human capital, drawing in new talents and ensuring the development of their skills, to foster national economic growth and excellence. Falasi said: “In line with the directives of our wise leadership and the UAE Centennial 2071 which aims to create a prosperous future and enable the future generation to enhance the global presence of the UAE in multiple fields, we strive to promote talent development as a key to the growth of all sectors in the country.
“We recognise that concerted efforts between government entities and various educational and sports institutions are quite significant, as it plays a vital role in identifying new means to develop sports talents both physically and mentally. This is in line with the principles of the General Authority of Sports aimed at fostering partnerships to promote the sports sector. He added: “We strive to integrate sports as a lifestyle in the society, particularly in educational institutions and increase awareness regarding the significance of incorporating sports into daily life, which will further strengthen the UAE’S presence on the global sports map.
“The collaboration between the education and sports sectors institutions will increase student competitiveness and instill sports vision and principles in them, in order to develop a diverse and advanced sports environment. This will aid in the discovery of future champions and establish sports excellence as a defining aspect of the UAE.
Sheikh Suhail Bin Buti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports and Secretary General of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions said: “The educational institutions significantly aid in the discovery and development of sports talents, as well as help incorporate sports as a way of life among students.”
He added: “The Federation is working in accordance with long-term plans that rely on global experiences, which were put into practice in nations that are progressing in the field of sports. In addition to analysing the prevalence of each sport, the potential to increase its presence, and developing appropriate strategies for each sport based on how it is played, school sports offer the chance to identify talents at an early age and aid in their development.