Empowering the ACS Doha’s youth to pursue sports

15th February 2020, Doha, Qatar – ACS International School Doha community celebrated National Sports Day by inspiring students to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle in presence of  leading track and field runner, Mariam Farid. Students engaged in an open discussion on how sports can empower them to reach success and develop their passions outside of the classroom.
 
The 300-strong student audience thought critically about the impact of sports globally and had the chance to discuss with Mariam Farid inspiring topics such as the representation of women in sports and balancing one’s athletic obligations with education. 
 
The celebration of National Sports Day forms part of ACS Doha’s commitment to ensure students are exposed to both a well-rounded academic education and one that equally drives students to pursue their own passion within extra curricula activities and sports. In turn, ACS Doha ensure its students have access to world-class sports-related facilities such as a FIFA-sized football pitch, swimming pool, a sports café and tailored learning spaces at its 60,000 sqm new campus which opens in August 2020. 
 
ACS Doha’s robust physical education program which works to instill in students the key values of tolerance, respect, optimism and commitment through physical activity and sports. 
 
“Our celebration of National Sports Day is a way to reaffirm to our students that through sports they are ready to face the world’s next challenges. When students have a chance to form a deep connection with their sport of choice, it positively impacts other elements of their lives. That is what we aimed to highlight through our celebration of sports,” said Trevor Furness, Middle High School Principal. 

Among the special guests, Mariam Farid, Qatar’s 400m hurdles star said: “The opportunity to meet with ACS Doha students and celebrate their diversity was a source of inspiration to work harder in my own athletic career. Students today are faced with the choice of whether to pursue sport professionally, and if I am able to inspire even one student, that is an honour. If I could leave the next generation with one note, it would be don’t let anyone or anything take away from your passion and drive.” 

ACS Doha is one of the country’s leading international schools, offering a strong core curriculum built on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma programmes, as well as the option of a US High School Diploma, with students hailing from over 70 different countries.