The School Olympic Program’s organizing committee is all set to launch its 17th edition on Monday, September 25th. This exciting announcement came during a press conference at the Qatar Olympic Committee’s headquarters. Notably, the event was attended by the committee’s chairman and its members. During this gathering, a significant agreement was inked between the School Olympic Program’s Organizing Committee and the Qatar Foundation. The aim of this agreement is to align efforts and expand program participation across various educational institutions within the State of Qatar.
HE Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Program, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani, shared that this program originated at the conclusion of the 2006 Doha Asian Games. The coordination with the Olympic Committee continues to be instrumental in the program’s success, particularly in identifying talents that will contribute to various teams in the upcoming 2030 Doha Asian Games.
Sheikh Khalifa also acknowledged the essential role played by the Qatar Olympic Committee, led by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in the School Olympic Program’s achievements, making it a crucial platform for discovering talented individuals within the country, along with the support of all program partners.
This year’s edition will witness an expansion in the number of competitions, increasing to 19 sports compared to the previous 17. New additions include cricket and hockey. Furthermore, there will be a focus on enhancing girls’ competitions to match the boys’, aligning with the talent development initiative associated with the School Olympic Program.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Program revealed that the previous season identified approximately 300 to 350 talented students, including 280 to 300 female talents.
Cooperation with the Collegiate Sports Federation aims to continue nurturing talent beyond secondary school. Sheikh Khalifa also emphasized the pivotal roles played by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Aspire Zone Foundation, and the Qatar Foundation in their collaborative efforts to ensure the School Olympic Program’s success.
Lastly, Sheikh Khalifa revealed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Olympic Committee and the Qatar Foundation, solidifying the Foundation’s role as a partner in the program’s future endeavors.
