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Heritage
The Academy was established by law No 16 FY 2004 as an “independent” government funded agency that reported directly to HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa AL Thani through HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad AL Thani. It was tasked to “provide sports training and education to students with sporting potential, in an exceptional learning and sporting environment, in order to have athletes that are well trained on the educational, practical and academic levels in the various sports fields such as to meet the needs of the Qatari society and realize its aspirations in regional and international sports competitions”. Emiri Decree No 1 FY 2008 replaced Law No 16, maintaining the original purpose of the Academy but changed its governance position from “independent” to a general directorate strategic business unit of the Aspire Zone Foundation.
The 2003-2004 initial class consisted of 31 football student-athletes. Currently there are approximately 200 student-athletes in grades 7 through 12 who specialize in the sports of football, athletics, squash, table tennis, sailing, judo, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, fencing, rowing, shooting and golf. The 2007-08 class was the first graduating class of 23 student-athletes and the inthe number of graduates was doubled in the 2010 - 2011 year
Grand Opening of ASPIRE Dome, the Home of the Academy
The Academy conducted classes and training sessions in temporary facilities until the ASPIRE Dome was completed. It was the inauguration ceremonies of the Dome that signalled the global announcement of ASPIRE Academy as an international institute of high standing. HH the Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the Dome on Thursday, 17 November 2005 in a glittering ceremony attended by HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tameem Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani,HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Missned,and HH Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al-Thani(CLICK HERE to see photos)
The opening was marked with the Middle East’s biggest-ever celebration of sporting achievement, attended by legendary sports stars, Olympic delegations from more than 80 countries, representatives from other major sports federations, such as the International Association of Athletics Federations, and a number of local dignitaries.
Legendary sports stars such as Pele and Diego Maradona attended the ceremony. Other top sports celebrities, including athletes Ed Moses, Said Aouita and Hisaham El Guerrouj, swimmer Mark Spitz, footballer Rabah Madjer and gymnast Nadia Comaneci, were also present.
It was the first time in the Middle East that so many legends from the world of sports have assembled in one place at the same time.
ASPIRE “Firsts”
Since the launch of ASPIRE, there have been many unforgettable moments that are engraved in the memory of the nation. These moments make up the history of the Academy to build on future successes. ASPIRE recorded these occasions to stay forever.(Enjoy seeing our firsts)
Inspiring Quotes
The ASPIRE Academy and its stunning facilities have inspired numerous favorable comments from celebrities and dignitaries worldwide.
Fast Facts About ASPIRE
From ASPIRE Dome, which covers an astounding 290,000 square meters of ground space and stands an impressive 46 meters high, seating 15,000 spectators, to high altitude laboratories for elite athlete training, these quick facts about ASPIRE will amaze you!
CLICK HERE for other facts about ASPIRE.
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