Dubai: The General Authority of Sports (GAS) has launched its new ‘Sports Talents’ platform as part of the ‘Empowerment and Sustainability of Sports Talents’ project.
The initiative is designed to identify and support 1,500 emerging sports talents, fostering their development in alignment with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
Advanced Platform
The ‘Sports Talents’ platform is an advanced tool aimed at gathering essential data and insights on sports talents from initial registration to empowerment. By partnering with sports organizations and educational institutions across the UAE, the platform will track sports fairs and events to identify and connect skilled athletes with growth opportunities.
Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of GAS, stated that, “Our ‘Empowerment and Sustainability of Sports Talents’ project aims to expand the base of sports practices for promising talents, fostering their sports culture and developing a professional mindset through the recently launched ‘Sports Talent’ platform. Through these efforts, we seek to ensure the sustainability of sports talents in alignment with the goals and values of the ‘Year of Sustainability’.”
Comprehensive Talent Database
Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at GAS, emphasized that the platform will create a comprehensive database accessible to all young talents, regardless of their involvement in current sporting events. Al Maktoum remarked that, “By increasing the number of talent discovery and empowerment events, we aim to strengthen national identity among our athletes and support their success in international competitions.”
The platform is also expected to enhance the chances of Emirati athletes qualifying for the 2032 Olympic Games in line with the National Sports Strategy 2031 targeting over 30 athletes for the Olympics.
Strategic Goals and Criteria
The key objectives of the ‘Sports Talents’ platform include identifying sports talents across various age groups, monitoring and documenting talent discovery initiatives, and developing a robust database on competitive sports talents.
Key criteria for improving talent identification and support include:
- Formulating strategies for early identification and empowerment of gifted individuals through comprehensive programs and scientific assessments.
- Regularly assessing the implementation of these plans using established indicators and scientific standards.
- Continuously monitoring and enhancing programs to nurture sports talents through training camps and support for national and international events.
- Providing ongoing assessments and support to refine athletic performance and development.
Collaborative Efforts
The ‘Empowerment and Sustainability of Sports Talents’ project is integrated with the transformative ‘Talents’ project, which involves a range of competitions and sports festivals to discover and expand the scope of competitive sports. The Authority aims to make the platform a cornerstone in achieving national sports goals and cultivating a competitive sports environment to enhance the UAE’s presence in global sports events.