The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH) have partnered with the World Schools Festival to bring the prestigious youth sports tournament to the UAE capital for its next three editions, from 2024 to 2026. Renamed as the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival, the event is set to become a major highlight on the international youth sports calendar.
The move to ADCSH’s state-of-the-art multisport facilities will allow the festival to grow, incorporating new sports like hockey, boys’ and girls’ cricket, and netball alongside its flagship rugby 15s and rugby 7s competitions. The first edition of the rebranded tournament is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 14 to 22, 2024.
Originating in South Africa six years ago, the World Schools Festival has since expanded significantly, now featuring 2,367 participants from over 21 countries. The event hosts hundreds of young athletes across various age groups, ranging from 15 to 18 years.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of the event:
"Abu Dhabi has proven its capabilities and appeal in hosting a vibrant array of world-class sporting events. Hosting the World Schools Festival will highlight not only our exceptional infrastructure but also our welcoming spirit, sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Through our partnership with Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, we will spotlight rugby’s emerging athletes and nurture young talent."
Jon Phelps, Founder of the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter:
"This year marks the beginning of an exciting era for the all-new Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival as we make the move to the UAE. Our new partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, ADCSH, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council will see the festival hosted in one of the most spectacular and vibrant venues in the world. It's a host city and venue of the future and represents an exciting moment for everyone involved."
Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, highlighted the event’s significance for the local community:
"We're thrilled to welcome the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival to our ever-growing sports portfolio and, with the support of DCT Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, are excited to take the event to even greater heights over the next three years. This is a solid demonstration of our ongoing commitment to bringing international events to Abu Dhabi while helping to galvanize our community participation locally."
Top schools from England, Wales, South Africa, and New Zealand have already confirmed their participation in the 2024 Rugby Cup Tournament, including Millfield, Llandovery College, Paul Roos Gimnasium, EG Jansen Hoerskool, and Kelston Boys’ High School. Australia’s Cavaliers Rugby and the International Odyssey World Select have committed to the Rugby Girls’ Rugby 7s and Boys’ Rugby 7s competitions.
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