Following a stringent, year-long selection process, the Aspire Academy has chosen a group of promising young student athletes to join its prestigious training camp — the final stage in a qualifications scheme for students to join the Academy’s comprehensive talent development programme that includes sports, academic and social pillars. The Aspire Academy Gold Camp welcomed its newest batch of future sporting champions, announcing more than 40 students who have qualified to the camp.
The Academy’s officials welcomed on Tuesday morning the qualified students in its auditorium, where they were congratulated for reaching this stage. The session introduced the students to the training programme they will be undergoing and instructed them on how to best benefit from the Academy’s facilities during the camp.
During an opening speech, Markus Eager, director of Sports at Aspire Academy, said: “I would like to congratulate all the students who have reached this stage of our talent selection programme. Aspire Academy excels in combining athletic and academic development tracks that contribute to the growth of our students through AZF facilities and activities, as well as its healthy lifestyles programmes. I wish all the participants the best of luck and encourage them to stay dedicated during the upcoming phase of their training. We look forward to welcoming the future generation of the world’s elite athletes from the impressive group of young athletes joining us today.”
During the welcoming ceremony, the Academy shared inspirational stories about some of Aspire Academy’s star graduates, including Olympic high-jumper Mutaz Barshim and squash champion Abdullah al-Tamimi, who both started their careers at the Gold Camp. The students also heard advice and tips on how to take advantage of all the opportunities the camp has to offer, calling on the participants to have fun during the competition, work hard and respect and support one another.
Upon joining the camp, each student is placed into a respective sport section for which they are most qualified, including squash, throwing, fencing, table tennis, gymnastics, athletics and multi-sports. Following a series of different screening processes, the Academy chooses a select number of students to join the Academy on a scholarship basis at the conclusion of the camp.
The camp contributes directly towards Aspire Academy’s mission of identifying promising sporting talents and turning them into well-educated sports champions, as well as its efforts to promote a sports culture in Qatar and the region.