A cool start to the second phase of RTP initiative

As part of this scheme, the students will have one period of skiing activity per week for eight weeks. This program works towards RTP's goal to use community sports facilities to teach students non-traditional sports and raise the students' spirit of adventure.

HE Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the KHDA Schools Agency, said, "Right to Play (RTP) is keen on introducing students of different ages to various types of sports either through the health and physical education curriculum or through extra-curricular sports activities that are supported by the Schools Agency.

"We strongly believe in the importance of sport as it serves as a means for the students to acquire many skills. It not only enhances their health but also keeps them productively occupied during their free time. Owing to the variety of activities and methods of teaching, we have noted an increase in the number of students participating effectively in the physical education class, especially girls."

Mr. Ahmad Abdul Rahman, director of the initiative, elaborated on the various phases of the RTP initiative and said, "The focus during the first year of RTP was to train teachers and to implement the new curriculum, this activity marks the onset of phase two. We are working towards launching many such programs of sports excellence and recreation sports this year. We are confident to maintain the student's participation and interest level through a variety of activities in store."

He added, "As part of this proposal, the students will not only enjoy the skiing classes at the venue but will also be able to better their skills. The outstanding students will be selected and further trained so that they may participate in future ski tournaments at Ski Dubai."

Nadia Thawadi, the physical education teacher at Al Qeyam Alnamothajiya School, was very happy with this opportunity for her students. She said, "The students are thrilled to have these weekly skiing sessions at Ski Dubai. Monday has now become the best day of the week for them. We are grateful to this initiative by Princess Haya and look forward to the upcoming activities of this kind that spark the sportsman spirit in the students."

Officially launched in October 2007, RTP is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play as a tool for the development of children. The program is the first initiative of its kind in the region and aims to enhance education outcomes in Dubai. It is presently being applied to all Dubai public schools and close to 25 thousand students benefit from it.

A set of sports and recreational activities are organised for the public schools in Dubai as a means to contribute to the development of physical education in accordance with government guidelines and the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. A curriculum for health and physical education that includes a wide range of sports including a number of non-traditional games such as rugby, cricket, hockey and badminton has been prepared to cater to the cause. In addition to improving the physical well-being and health of the students, such sporting activities work towards building the child's confidence, competitive spirit and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.