08 Dec 2024
Aspire Academy's 20th Anniversary ongoing celebrations reached new heights this weekend with the vibrant and community-focused Spread Your Wings Festival. The event on Thursday, December 5th, and Friday, December 6th, proved to be a resounding success, welcoming over 8,000 attendees. The festival featured a variety of engaging activities for children and families, as Aspire Academy created a vibrant and interactive atmosphere.
Ms. Alanoud Al-Mesnad, Director of Marketing and Communication at Aspire Academy, emphasised the festival's significance, stating:
"This festival serves as a bridge between Aspire Academy and the community, marking our 20-year journey of excellence and sports legacy. Aspire has always been deeply connected to the local community, and this event reflects our ongoing efforts to engage and inspire. By promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging the youth to embrace sports, we stay true to our mission of fostering future champions and celebrating Qatar’s rich sports heritage."
One of the most popular attractions at the event was a storytelling area led by Dr. Fatima Freihat, an Arabic language teacher at Aspire Academy. Dr. Freihat shared captivating stories about Aspire Academy's history, aiming to ensure that future generations have an appreciation for Qatar's sports legacy. She remarked:
"The 'Spread Your Wings Festival' allowed me to share my collection of stories that showcase Aspire Academy's journey, including the remarkable achievements of champions like Mutaz Barshim, inspiring the youth to dream big and recognise the importance of this institution."
Another activity offered the young visitors a taste of the testing and scouting sessions that Aspire Academy uses to identify potential future champions as part of its pre-academy athletics programme. The tests provided an opportunity for aspiring athletes to explore their potential.
To add to the celebratory atmosphere, Aspire Academy handed out special 20th Anniversary gifts to participants, ensuring the youngsters would remember the day.
Abdullah Al-Ghabarry, a parent attending the festival, praised Aspire Academy, saying:
"This event brought immense joy to my family and created wonderful memories. Aspire has always been a vital part of our community, and celebrating this milestone together feels truly special. It’s a reflection of how Aspire has enriched our lives over the years."
The festival's interactive experiences included archery, inflatable football darts, an inflatable shootout, drop-the-bucket, human foosball, the header challenge, PS5 gaming stations, and the Aspire Obstacle Course Challenge. The different activities ensured an energy-fueled, dynamic, family-friendly environment that offered the young participants the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of sports, foster teamwork, and discover the rewards of an active lifestyle.
Attracting over 8,000 attendees, the "Spread Your Wings Festival" demonstrates Aspire Academy’s strong community ties and its role in promoting sports and healthy living. The festival is part of Aspire Academy’s ongoing series of 20th Anniversary events, which have engaged the community, students, and esteemed alumni. The celebrations continue on 17 December with a Gala Dinner at Aspire Academy to honour two decades of Aspire Academy’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering sports excellence while continuing to inspire the next generation of champions.