Qatar's School Olympic Program: A Model of National-Level School Sport Development

May 21, Doha, Qatar – As an active member of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), the Qatar School Sport Association (QSSA), led by its President, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani continues to set a benchmark in youth engagement and school sport development through its flagship initiative, the School Olympic Program (SOP). The 18th edition of the SOP finals, held in May 2025, brought together more than 1,400 student-athletes from across the country to compete in over 25 individual and team sports, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to holistic youth development through sport.

Established in 2007 as a legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games, the School Olympic Program was launched by the Qatar Olympic Committee, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, to embed sport and healthy living in the national school curriculum. Now in its 18th edition, SOP has become one of the most inclusive and impactful youth sport initiatives in the region.

The finals of SOP 2025 featured competitions in a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball (including 3x3), handball, volleyball, table tennis, fencing, badminton, gymnastics, judo, karate, weightlifting, and electronic games, among others. Special attention was also given to inclusive sports, with events such as Boccia and Para-Athletics actively involving students with special needs.

In addition to competition, SOP offers educational aspect such as youth officiating programmes, health awareness, and talent identification. The event also serves as a feeder to Qatar's elite youth training pathways, with strong links to the Aspire Academy and national federations. Top-performing students are identified and supported for further development, combining both academic and athletic excellence.

The SOP is a flagship example of ISF's broader vision to empower youth through sport and education. It reflects the core values promoted by ISF: fair play, clean sport, quality education, and social inclusion.

Over the past editions, the program has engaged tens of thousands of students and educators, and laid the foundation for the next generation of athletes and community leaders.

ISF congratulates the Qatar School Sport Association for the continued success and evolution of the SOP, and celebrates its efforts to build a sustainable and inspiring school sport culture nationally. With its structured governance, year-round engagement, and inclusive philosophy, SOP represents a model that resonates far beyond Qatar's borders.