Revitalized School Olympic Program Returns for 19th Edition, Features Record 33 Sports
Doha — The highly anticipated 19th edition of the School Olympic Program (SOP) was officially launched in Doha on Tuesday, with organizers announcing a major expansion to 33 sports disciplines, the largest in the program’s history. Thousands of students from both public and private schools across Qatar are expected to participate as the SOP continues to build on its tradition of promoting athletic talent and healthy living among youth.
The program’s details were unveiled at a press conference attended by key stakeholders, including H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Chairman of the SOP Organizing Committee, Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Executive Director of SOP, Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari representing Ooredoo, and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Foundation, and Aspire Academy.
The conference also featured the formal signing of a renewed partnership with telecommunications provider Ooredoo, which continues its support as the SOP’s official telecommunications partner.
H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani emphasized the SOP’s growing significance in fostering youth development through sports since its inception in the 2007–08 academic year. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar Olympic Committee in implementing the program successfully over the years.
“We are proud to launch the 19th edition of the School Olympic Program for the 2025–26 season. This new edition represents another step forward in building a brighter future for our youth, while carrying forward a legacy of achievements established over the years,” he said.
He further stated: “Thanks to the dedication of our schools and the determination of our students, the SOP has become a cornerstone of school sports. By expanding the program to 33 sports, we are opening wider horizons for participation and excellence in line with our national vision.”
Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari echoed the enthusiasm, praising the SOP as “an inspiring platform for talent discovery and a powerful driver of healthy, active lifestyles in the community.” Reflecting on the continued corporate support, he added: “We are delighted to extend our sponsorship. The program not only fosters sporting excellence and competitive spirit, but also encourages healthier habits among young people.”
Highlighting the SOP’s growing popularity, Al Kuwari pointed out, “We were truly impressed by the scale of participation, with more than 25,000 students from 500 schools involved. This remarkable turnout underlines both the growing enthusiasm among students and the program’s vital role in nurturing future sporting talent.”
Conceived as a national initiative to enhance student well-being and sporting achievement, the School Olympic Program continues to evolve, reflecting Qatar’s ambitious vision for youth development and sports excellence. With its latest expansion, the SOP affirms its position as a vital pillar in the country’s educational and athletic landscape.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
