Kickoff Countdown!

The 13^th SABIS^® Global Sports Tournament was co-hosted by the International Schools of Choueifat in Sharjah and Ajman, U.A.E., from April 28 to 30, 2023. The tournament marked a significant milestone with the first-time participation of students from Brazil and China, joining around 1,000 student-athletes representing 30 schools from 15 countries across the SABIS^® Network, including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Jordan, Kenya, Kurdistan - Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E.

The tournament kicked off with a grand Opening Ceremony on April 27, 2023, welcoming distinguished guests such as His Excellency Sheikh Majid Bin Sultan Bin Sager Al Qasimi, Member of Sharjah Executive Council and Chairman of the Districts and Villages Affairs Department; His Excellency Ali Mesri Al Dhaheri, representing His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Education, and also representing His Excellency Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, the Executive Director of the Sports Development sector at the General Sports Authority; and His Excellency Eisa Hilal El Hazamwy, Chairman of Sharjah Sports Council. The ceremony was attended by participants' families, coaches, and community members.

Guests were captivated by elaborate performances, including a marching band, a dressage horse show, student dance performances, and an impressive entrance by participating teams carrying their country flags with pride. His Excellency Ali Mesri Al Dhaheri, Mr. Wissam Madiab, ISC-Sharjah School Director, and Mr. Victor Saad, SABIS^® Vice President, warmly welcomed the audience while highlighting the significance of the tournament.

In his speech, Mr. Victor Saad stated: "At SABIS^®, we have always prioritized the academic attainment of our students, providing them with the most efficient and updated tools and skills to ensure their entry into the very best universities. However, we have also placed great emphasis on sports, given the numerous benefits they provide our participating student-athletes. Sports strengthen our students physically, mentally, and emotionally. They identify skills, grow self-confidence, teach discipline and decision-making, encourage communication, and develop leadership potential. They also do far more by shaping attitudes and behaviors of fairness, inclusivity, and respect."

The Opening Ceremony set the tone for an exciting and memorable tournament, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and the diverse talents of student-athletes from around the world.