(From left) Hassan al-Mohammadi (QOC chief of media), Jassim al-Baker (Senior learning and development manager Enterprise Qatar), Mohammed Issa al-Fadala (Executive Director School Olympic Program), Abdulrahman al-Muftah (Qatar School Sports Federation’s Executive Director) at the press conference at Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) headquarters yesterday. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi

 

By Sports Reporter/Doha

The School Olympic Program (SOP) finals will be held at the Aspire Dome on April 4-5.  In all 22,000 students from 375 schools took part in this year’s program.

The finals for girls will be held on April 4 while the boys’ finals will be held on the following day.

“Like every year, this year too, the Olympic saw increased participation of schools and this is a good sign,” said Mohammed Issa al-Fadala, executive Director School Olympic Program.

Al-Fadala also went on to add that there was still lot of work to be done and plenty of room for improvement.

“We are looking to keep improving. There are some grey areas where we would like to improve. The SOP has definitely allowed us with the opportunity to spot young talent and around 200 students from the past programs have already joined various clubs,” revealed al-Fadala.

The program also serves as an ideal platform for the expat student to showcase their talent and improve on it, adds al-Fadala. “It is an opportunity for all the participating schools.

“The kids who excel are identified and the list is sent to Qatar Olympic Committee, who then forwards the list to various clubs. The clubs can enroll these talented players and nurture their skills,” said al-Fadala.

Qatar School Sports Federation’s Executive Director Abdulrahman al-Muftah also was pleased with the efforts of the program saying, “The interest shown by various schools and increase in the participation, in itself, is an indication that things are heading in the right direction.”

The SOP’s organising committee also added a new dimension to this season’s program by introducing investments into sports in collaboration with Enterprise Qatar. The investment opportunity for students will help them focus on their skills and develop them from a young age.

“We realise that our future depends on our youth. They are going to be our leaders of future. Qatar
has become a sports capital of the region and our focus is on sports investments. Students can put forward their ideas and we are ready to support their investment projects,” revealed Jassim al-Baker, senior learning and development manager, Enterprise Qatar.

Enterprise Qatar has already conducted business plan competitions in several schools and has also trained around 60 teachers to work with the schools to develop creativity and marketing skills among students.

“We have produced a series of books on sports business for students in the age group of 9 to 11, 12-15 and 16-18. We have conducted trade fairs in schools. The schools have appointed students as CEOs, marketing managers and finance managers to create and sell various sports-related products.

“For example, students from the Fatima bint Waleed School came up with an idea to design sports t-shirts for girls.

“It was an instant hit and there were lot of orders from Kuwait. They used the electronic medium to sell their products online,” said Mohd Arif, senior learning and development manager Enterprise Qatar.

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