20 Nov 2024
As part of its ongoing 20th-anniversary celebrations, Aspire Academy organised the Aspire, Inspire Forum for its employees on Tuesday. The Corporate Services team organised the event to honour and recognise the remarkable achievements of the Academy's employees as well as the institution's legacy in sports, education, and innovation. The forum served as a platform to reflect on two decades of excellence and to celebrate the collective contributions of staff, students, and alumni to Aspire Academy's journey.
The Aspire, Inspire Forum provided Aspire Academy employees with the unique opportunity to gain insights into the Academy's groundbreaking work across several key areas, including education, student care, and elite sports programs. The event also featured inspiring stories from some of the Academy's distinguished alumni athletes, emphasising the Academy's critical role in shaping Qatar's sporting landscape.
Opening Remarks and Educational Highlights
The forum began with a presentation by Aspire Academy's Director General, Ivan Bravo, "This is a wonderful milestone. It's been a great opportunity and a privilege to be part of what, in reality, is just the start of this incredible institution. We appreciate honour and respect the past, but we understand and accept that we can't change it, but we can use it to shape the future." After his speech, a video was shown with testimonies from global sports superstars, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti, David Beckham, Xavi Hernandez, Arsene Wenger, Mo Farah, and Fabio Cannavaro.
Mr. Ali Salem Afifa, Deputy Director General of Aspire Academy, stated that celebrating the Academy's staff and employees reflects the culture of teamwork and the spirit of unity within the Academy. He added, "We extend our gratitude to all members of Aspire Academy, including staff, students, and directors. As one of the early members of the Academy, I feel immense pride and honour in working with different generations since its inception in 2004."
He also emphasised that the Academy draws inspiration from the past to build a better future.
Ms. Al-Anoud Al-Misnad, Director of Marketing and Communications at Aspire Academy, stated:
"The Academy's celebrations continue to highlight this exceptional year as we mark the 20th anniversary of Aspire Academy's establishment. This celebration is an opportunity to showcase the achievements of Aspire Academy's vision of shaping the future through sports in Qatar. It reaffirms that our efforts are ongoing and continuous. I want to thank all our partners, both within and outside Aspire Academy."
In a presentation, Mr. Badr El Hay, Director of Education and Student Affairs, highlighted the remarkable educational milestones Aspire Academy has achieved over the years, including its accreditation by the Council for International Schools (CIS). Mr. Salah Al-Yafii, the Leadership Development Program Coordinator, then introduced an engaging team-building activity that included members of the audience as well as a video to highlight the teamwork and commitment that lie at the core of Aspire's mission.
Football Department Presentation
The next part of the forum focused on Aspire's comprehensive football program, with presentations from the three main football departments: Football Administration, Football Performance and Science, and the Technical Department. Professor Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance and Science, stated: "We go above and beyond every single day, and with the incredible contributions of everyone involved, we have aligned the concept of football performance at the Academy with the vision of the nation. Building on this foundation, we set our sights on making a global impact, which led to the launch of our international initiative, Aspire in the World Fellows. Today, as we celebrate 20 years of remarkable achievements, I am more inspired than ever to look ahead to the future. As Mutaz Barshim said, 'I don't keep my trophies at home because it keeps me hungry for more.' This resonates deeply with us at Aspire Academy, where we constantly strive for greater excellence and continue to aspire for more." Mr. Edorta Murua, Technical Director of Football, shared: "When I first joined Aspire Academy, it was crucial to establish strong connections and open communication across the various departments of the Academy. Equally important was listening to our athletes, ensuring that coaches and teachers could adapt to meet their needs effectively." He then presented a video showcasing the "invisible" aspects of life at the Academy, as some of the student-athletes shared their perspectives on the challenges and rewards of balancing academics and athletics as student-athletes.
Athlete Panel Q&A
A highlight of the event was the question-and-answer session with several graduates of the Academy who have excelled in various sports. The first to offer his thoughts was Abdulla Al-Tamimi, the first Qatari squash player to rank among the world's top 20 in squash, as he shared the pivotal role Aspire Academy played in shaping his career.
Abdulla reflected: "I was here from the very beginning, and it has been an honour to be part of this journey. Aspire Academy has not only inspired its athletes but also its teachers and coaches. The relationships we built with them felt more like those of a father and son." He fondly recalled moments with his teachers in the classroom, emphasising how they nurtured and guided him throughout his educational and athletic development.
He concluded by sharing: "The greatest change I witnessed was in my own personality. The personal growth I experienced during my time at Aspire Academy has been truly transformative." Meanwhile, swimmer Mohammed Al Mahmoud, a 2022 graduate and multiple Qatari national record holder, shared a touching message saying: "The most important thing I learnt at Aspire Academy was that you either win or learn", so losing is not a word I use now."
The panel included several contributions from other Aspire Academy graduates and student-athletes. Owaab Barrow, a 2020 graduate and gold medallist in the 110m hurdles at the 2018 Youth Olympics, reflected on his transformative journey at Aspire and the foundation it provided for his achievements. Ali Turki, a 2017 graduate and accomplished fencer with regional medals, discussed how Aspire's programs played a pivotal role in shaping his athletic and personal development. Mohammed Abdulwahhab, another 2017 graduate and multiple gold medallist in the Arab Table Tennis Championships, highlighted the unwavering support he received from Aspire in advancing his journey in the sport. Adding to the diverse lineup was Abdulrahman Alyafei, a Grade 11 student and one of Aspire's first padel athletes. Together, these stories showcased the scale of Aspire's impact across different sports and its commitment to nurturing talent at every level.
Conclusion and Interactive Booths
To conclude the event, employees were invited to engage in a series of activities to encourage interactive learning and showcase Aspire's various departments. The forum ended with an invitation for lunch, offering employees an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and reflect on the Academy's accomplishments over the past 20 years.
The Aspire, Inspire Forum is part of Aspire Academy's commitment to fostering a strong internal community and celebrating the collective achievements of its employees and alumni as the Academy continues to pave the way for Qatar's sporting future. The event is set to be a regular gathering, with the next set for 2026.