New year of ASPIRE students welcomed into the Academy

In total, sixty students have been selected through the program, which tested the sporting potential and athletic ability of almost 5,000 male students in the sixth and seventh grade and almost 3,000 female students in the sixth grade across Qatar.

The successful students attended the ceremony with their families, where senior members of the ASPIRE teaching and training faculties congratulated them on their success and informed them of the mission of the Doha-based Academy.

Those who have earned scholarships will now attend the Academy as full-time student athletes, starting from the new term in September. Initially, they will receive training across a range of sports, along with a high level academic education and will also have the chance to specialize in specific sports, e.g. football, athletics, table tennis, squash, tennis and sailing.

Following a welcome address by Dr. Thomas Flock, Director General at ASPIRE, and speeches from Dr. Andreas Bleicher, Sports Manager, and Prof. Dr. Dieter Hackfort, Academy Dean, the parents had the opportunity to pose questions to the faculty.

The discussion that followed enabled parents to learn about the quality of education offered at ASPIRE, as well the care and attention that is paid to all aspects of the student athletes' experience while studying at ASPIRE.

Many parents at the event expressed their pride that their children had been chosen for the prestigious program and were glad they had the opportunity to tour the impressive facilities and meet the teaching staff.

ASPIRE Dean, Prof. Dr. Dieter Hackfort said: "Family play a central role in the career of student athletes, through encouragement and social support, so ASPIRE looks to involve parents at every step of their children's development.

"Feedback from the meeting was extremely positive and we look forward to welcoming the new year of children in September."

Dr. Andreas Bleicher, Sports Manager, added: "The successful students have made it through a highly rigorous and scientific identification program, and should be congratulated for their achievement.

"The meeting with parents offered the opportunity to welcome our new students to ASPIRE and introduce them to the exciting program of training and education that they will encounter in their time here."