Mubadala aims to grow participation amongst pupils in UAE with Tennis in Schools program

Sport360 staff 18:50 23/04/2018
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  • Mubadala have launched a new schools tennis initiative

    The Mubadala Tennis in Schools program, an inspirational grassroots community initiative championed and sponsored by Mubadala was launched this week in partnership with Zayed Sports City and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

    With the aim of generating positive impact in the community at its core, the program supports ADEK’s efforts in complementing the theoretical curriculum of schools with physical education to help pupils build confidence and self-esteem and develop well-rounded individuals.

    The program gives pupils aged 7-10 from across local schools the chance to take their first steps in the sport by introducing them to mini-tennis within physical education lessons.

    Created to ensure a legacy for the sporting youth of the UAE, the program will be integrated into the physical education curriculum of participating schools, delivering even more excitement and expert training to young students across Abu Dhabi.

    Twelve schools will receive three visits throughout the program from professional international tennis coaches, who will host sessions with pupils and their physical education teachers to enhance the quality of tennis coaching available in schools.

    In addition, there will be tennis training nights at Zayed Sports City for pupils who have shown commitment and perseverance throughout the program, while every Friday, Zayed Sports City will ensure access without charge for pupils and their families to use the courts .

    The initiative also provides schools with mobile mini-tennis kits so there are no barriers to practice, and that pupils have the gear they need to take their tennis skills to the next level.

    Upon the completion of the program, a tennis festival will be held and will feature a tournament between schools to put their tennis skills to the test during the finale.

    This will take place on the Center Court at Zayed Sport City and will see the culmination of months of hard-work and dedication, from young boys and girls come to life.

    With the aim of inspiring young talent to continue a sustainable interest in sports, two participants from the program will be rewarded with a scholarship by Zayed Sports City to their tennis academy.

    The initiative has already seen success stories with J. Anurag Reddy discovered during the Mubadala Tennis in Schools program and going on to be a multiple winner and finalist of the Mubadala Community Cup tournaments.

    “We are extremely proud to partner with ADEK and Zayed Sports City to support schools with the promotion of physical and health education and the opportunity for pupils to participate in tennis at school, whilst increasing their activity levels, confidence and competence to succeed in the sport,” commented Saoud Karmastaji, Assistant Manager – Outreach, Group Communications at Mubadala.

    Mr. Nasser Khamis, Head of Extracurricular Activities at Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, pointed out that “ADEK is keen to support the Mubadala Tennis in Schools initiative which aims to promote tennis as a sport amongst school students amongst the future generation, while identifying talents and developing skills.

    “The initiative reflects ADEK’s keenness to provide Emirati students with exciting opportunities in order to help explore their talents and produce champions in various sports.”

    Mubadala is trying to develop players like Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain

    Mubadala is hoping to develop players like Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain

    “Zayed Sports City has a fondness for tennis and we are eager to share it through the Mubadala Tennis in Schools program,” said Tony Kouris, General Manager at Zayed Sports City

    “The opportunity to engage the children in this sport in so many ways – such as in their schools, at our facilities and through the passion of our ZSC Academy coaches – is a great step in supporting their development and establishing lifelong healthy habits.

    “We are very proud to be leading this program alongside Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.”

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