13 May 2019
Doha, 13 May 2019. Aspire Academy-graduate Abdulla Al-Tamimi, Qatar’s top-ranked squash player, had been having an overriding ambition to give back to sports and took a step towards fulfilling his vision and launched ATA Sports, which was presented at an opening event at Aspire Academy on Friday, May 10.
The launch was attended by several key figures, including Aspire Academy Director of Education and Student Affairs Badr Al-Hay and world high jump champion and fellow Red Bull-athlete Mutaz Essa Barshim. Barshim also used the occasion to challenge Al-Tamimi for a friendly squash match.
According to Al-Tamimi, ATA Sports was formed with the idea of offering a new approach to Qatar’s sports communities. The academy’s mission is to create a platform that would allow youth and adults to explore and develop their skills. The organisation’s collective experience entails squash, tennis, karate, gymnastics, swimming and yoga. Also, the program will provide fellow Aspire Academy-graduates the opportunity to gain coaching experience.
"The initial idea of my business partner Abdulrahman al Malki and me was to open a squash academy, because that’s our sport, but then we thought why not dream bigger and actually open a multi-sport academy to help people in Qatar to stay fit and healthy. This is the beginning of something big, with the support of Aspire Academy we aim to make it beneficial for everyone.The good thing about the academy is that it accepts kids from 4-5 years old to 60 or 70 years old, so we have all ages, both genders boys and girls, and we will provide as well private coaching that allows our coaches to visit you where you are and train you at home or at your court," Al-Tamimi explained ATA's philosophy,
“I was happy to be there and support my friend Abdulla. The idea of creating a sports academy and spread the sport that he loves is amazing, and I think it will have a good impact on the society,” said Barshim.
This comes after an outstanding 2018 season for Tamimi as the 24-year-old broke into the world top 30, to achieve a career-best global ranking of 24th.