ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) have launched an expanded format for the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools and Universities. The 2024/25 edition aims to ensure continuous student engagement throughout the academic year, enabling competitors to explore a variety of sports, develop new skills and uphold the values of sportsmanship.
The championship will kick off from November 2024 until May 2025, which will be divided into three terms to encourage ongoing student engagement across multiple sports. Initially launched with a focus on football, the championship has since expanded to 13 national sports aligned with the UAE’s sports strategy, serving as a platform for students to showcase their athletic talents. This year’s edition introduces four new sports—chess, distance run, jiu-jitsu and table tennis—bringing the total number of competition disciplines to 18.
ADEK aims to attract more than 27,000 students from public, private, charter schools and universities across the emirate, exceeding the number of participants from previous editions.
ADEK continues to prioritise talent identification, providing student athletes with opportunities for professional scouting, pathways to sports careers and potential scholarships. During the previous championship, scouts from institutions, including IMG Academy - the global institution in sports training and education - identified 24 students to join elite talent development programmes. Aspiring students can also apply for scholarships in related fields, enhancing their athletic and academic growth.
His Excellency Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Undersecretary at ADEK, said: "Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools and Universities is more than just an inter-school sports tournament; it is a vital platform that fosters excellence, personal growth and values of sportsmanship among student athletes. The championship also plays an integral part in identifying and developing talented students and providing them with scouting opportunities. These values support athlete development and strengthen community spirit within Abu Dhabi’s educational ecosystem. We invite the wider community and parents to support their children's participation, regardless of skill level, to emphasise the importance of physical activity for both academic success and lifelong wellbeing."
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary at ADSC, said: “We are delighted to launch the new format of the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools and Universities. With four additional sports on the roster, we look forward to seeing an influx of new student competitors, adding even more variety to an already exciting tournament series. As the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is always keen to grow and adapt with the community, we hope that these changes benefit our local youth, both citizens and residents, by providing them with more platforms to showcase their skills and abilities and inspiring them to ascend to greater heights in sports.”
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Inter-University Sports League (ADISL), the championship will also focus on holistically operating leagues and promoting sports excellence at the university level. University students will compete for the championship cup in their respective categories, showcasing their talents and athletic abilities, exploring potential pathways toward professional sports careers.
The championship is open to male and female students from public, private, and charter schools, as well as universities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. With six age categories ranging from under 9 (U9) to under 19 (U19) and universities, the event provides a tailored and inclusive environment where students of all skills can compete.
For more information, please visit the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship website: sportscup.adek.ae.