Every pupil in Qatar’s public schools has the opportunity to participate in sport and physical education which sees students perform a series of physical tests for speed, strength, power, and endurance.

Results of the programme provide a strong insight into the overall fitness levels for each school, as well as an overview of childhood fitness levels across Qatar.

With one in three children registered as officially obese in the GCC region, galvanising youngsters’ excitement about taking part in sport – rather than video games and television – is seen as an important step in tackling a critical health problem.

All involved parties are making their full effort to provide all necessary means to prevent the spread of this worldwide “disease” and to promote the importance of an active and healthy society.

Top equipment in all Schools

Since the beginning of the organised physical education in the Qatari schools it has been an ambition not just to fulfill the curricular requirements but also to provide a stage for sport achievements.

In order to fulfill this dual task the enhancement of the material pre-requisites has been included in the new planning of Qatari schools.

As a result of the new regulations, schools in ever growing numbers are completed with full scaled physical education and sport related facilities. These include:

• A standard size outdoor basketball court.
• A standard size outdoor handball court.
• A half size outdoor grass football field.
• A full size indoor multi-purpose sports gymnasium.

Besides the above facilities all schools have been equipped with a full set of state-of-the-art equipment, allowing the teachers and coaches to conduct regular physical education classes and school sport activities.

Competitions for Girls & Boys

Competition systems for school sport activities were in place even before the above mentioned reform but the improvement of the facilities and material pre-requisites further contributed to the growth and popularity of these events.

Nowadays we can see numerous events dedicated to schools sport and recreation in which the vast majority of school children are engaged. The national sports federations of Qatar also realised the importance of their involvement which can provide for all parties a mutual benefit.

In more and more sports the federations are providing technical and physical assistance to plan and stage such events.

Swimming starting at the age of 4

One of the major achievements in the Qatari physical education and school sport is the early swimming programme launched several years ago.

This targets all children in the country and makes possible the regular and professional teaching/training of swimming skills from the age of 4 years.

This campaign includes also elements of water safety and is expected to be further expanded in the coming years.

School Competitions in Gulf Cooperating Countries

Qatari schools have been engaged in several Gulf Cooperating Countries (GCC) school sport related competitions and events. Regardless of the status of the school (government run or independent) the children have an equal opportunity to participate.

The initiative of the individual schools is supported by the administration and the achievements are contributing to the growing popularity.