Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff participated in a cricket coaching session on Monday to officially launch the sport as part of the new Physical Education curriculum in public schools across the UAE.
Approximately 40 boys and girls, between the ages of 9 and 12, took part in the inaugural session which was conducted by Dubai-based Flintoff.
The introduction of the sport to the curriculum is part of a bigger strategy by the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education and School Sports to promote physical education and active lifestyles among school children.
As part of the strategy, the Dubai School Agency of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has taken the lead to expand the range of sports offered to children at Dubai’s public schools.
“I was delighted to be involved in an initiative that I believe will benefit children of all ages across the city of Dubai,” said Flintoff who announced his retirement from all forms of the game recently. “It is fantastic to be able to coach locally at a grass roots level and introduce the game of cricket. The kids were great and we had a lot of fun together. I hope they enjoy the game as much I have over the years.”
“It is great to see the children engaging in a new sport,” said Ahmad Abdul Rahman, Project Manager of The Princess Haya Initiative. “The importance of an active lifestyle cannot be underestimated and it is something we work hard to promote with young people. We’re very excited that Andrew is here to coach – it not only shows his commitment to the game, but also to Dubai.”
The coaching session was held at Al Mizhar Sports Hall, where 18 students from both Ahmad Bin Suliem School and Al Ibda’a Model School attended. Physical Education teachers from the two schools recently undertook a cricket coaching education programme in an effort to assist and provide support throughout the session.
Noura Ahmad, the Principal of Ahmad Bin Suliem School, said: “It is such an inspiration for children to have the opportunity to engage in a new sport with such a legendary player. We wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to take on this role and we are honored that Andrew agreed to contribute his time and expertise to make this happen.”
“We are very appreciative of the support that the Princess Haya Initiative has given us to help stimulate interest amongst our pupils and teachers. It is important to be able to offer these children a wide variety of options in terms of sports; in doing so, we not only diversify their abilities but help them realize various strengths at all kinds of levels,” added Asha Lootah, the head of Al Ibda’a Model School.
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