June 21, 2017
Following a successful run of the Mubadala Tennis in Schools (MTiS) initiative over the last five months, fifteen talented youths from local schools were selected to put their tennis skills to the test during a tournament to celebrate the programme’s finale.
Taking place on Centre Court at Zayed Sport City, Abu Dhabi on 20 June 2017, the championship saw the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, from young boys and girls aged 7 to 10, come to life.
The community programme which aims to enhance the quality of tennis, as well as promote a healthy and active lifestyle to students in Emirati schools has seen the most successful year yet, partaking in over 10 local schools and coaching 600 students.
Supporting the championship with the aim of encouraging the young talent to continue a sustainable interest in sports, the winner and runner up were rewarded with the invaluable opportunity of receiving up to 10 complimentary tennis coaching sessions.
Created to ensure a legacy for the sporting youth of the UAE, the annual programme was integrated into the physical education curriculum of selected local schools, delivering even more excitement and expert training to young students across the Capital.
This year’s MTiS championship fell during the holy month of Ramadan allowing the young athletes and their families the opportunity to not only celebrate their wins, but to also celebrate the spirit of good sportsmanship and community by sharing an Iftar.
Speaking at the Mubadala Tennis in School Finale, Mohammad Obaid Al Muheiri said: “Mubadala Tennis in Schools has really helped realise my potential as a junior tennis player. It’s really encouraged me to keep training to improve my skills and I’m much more confident on the court. Even my friends see how much fun I’m having and want to be part of the program now!”
John Lickrish, CEO of FLASH Entertainment, commented: “We are delighted to give our support to this meaningful community programme which educates and inspires UAE youth to pick up a tennis racquet, learn new skills and have fun with their peers whilst building excitement for December’s main event, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Our aim is to continue to build on the long-term legacy of the championship through grassroots tennis events across the region.”
Mubadala Tennis in Schools is an inspirational grassroots community initiative championed by Mubadala in order to grow the game of tennis in the UAE. It 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. The program provides students and their teachers with the equipment and skills they need to nurture a life-long passion for the game from an early age, and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.