02 Dec 2024
To celebrate two decades of excellence and leadership, Aspire Academy organised a special event for its alumni, The Inspiration Day, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, on the Academy's indoor football pitch.
The event was a remarkable occasion that brought together alumni from all 17 of the Academy's graduating classes, including elite professional athletes and distinguished professionals. It provided an invaluable opportunity for alumni, their families, coaches and faculty members to reconnect, reminisce about their memories, and reflect on the profound impact the Academy has had on their professional and athletic journeys.
Champions Inspiring Generations
Among those to join the celebrations was Qatar's four-time Olympic high jump medallist Mutaz Barshim, a proud graduate of Aspire Academy's class of 2009. Reflecting on the occasion, Barshim shared: "This celebration is more than just a chance to relive cherished memories with the Academy, which was like a second home to us. It's a moment to honour the bonds we share as alumni and to take pride in seeing my peers with their families and children, which fills my heart with immense joy and pride."
Highlighting Achievements
The event also honoured the significant achievements of Aspire alumni, whether in sports or professional fields, showcasing the Academy's ongoing vision and mission of shaping champions and preparing future leaders.
Mr. Ali Salem Afifa, Deputy Director General of Aspire Academy, emphasised the Academy's deep commitment to its graduates, describing them as ambassadors who represent the Academy on both national and international platforms. He stated: "With 17 graduating batches to date, our graduates are living examples of Aspire's mission and values. The Inspiration Day was a unique opportunity to bring together alumni from all cohorts to reconnect, celebrate their shared bond, and reaffirm their belonging to an institution that has significantly shaped their personalities, honed their talents, and prepared them to be true leaders in sports and life."
Dr. Ali Fawaz Al-Duwairi, Education Expert at Aspire Academy, echoed those sentiments: "This celebration of the success stories of 17 graduating classes is a testament to the close bond we share with our alumni. Seeing some of them today as colleagues at Aspire is an indescribable feeling that fills us with immense pride in our journey over the past 20 years."
In his remarks, Aspire Academy School Principal Jassem Al-Jaber expressed his pride, saying: "Today is filled with beautiful memories with 642 graduates who have excelled in various fields of life. Their reunion at the Academy today is a living testament to our 20-year journey of success and an accomplishment worthy of celebration."
Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al-Jediah, Director of Student Affairs, added: "While we always strive to maintain strong ties with our students, today holds a special significance. It is a celebration of 20 years of achievements that have turned our graduates into ambassadors for the Academy. Their success is a true testament to the Academy's commitment and excellence over the past two decades."
A Legacy of Excellence
Over the past 20 years, Aspire Academy has solidified its position as a cornerstone in preparing generations of Qatari athletes and distinguished individuals who have left shining marks on both the local and international levels.
The event garnered widespread attention from media outlets and audiences, becoming a platform to spotlight inspiring success stories that underscore the Academy's impact.
Ms. Alanoud Al Mesnad, Director of Marketing and Communications at Aspire Academy, highlighted that The Inspiration Day is part of the Academy's ongoing 20th-anniversary celebrations: "This special event for graduates and their families is one of the highlights of our anniversary plan, which also features initiatives such as the 'Spread Your Wings' campaign, the 'Aspire, Inspire Forum' for employees, and public events in Aspire Park this weekend. The Inspiration Day served as a platform to bring together graduates, their families, teachers, coaches, and management, celebrating the shared legacy of the Academy. It underscores the strong and enduring connection between Aspire Academy and its alumni."
The Inspiration Day was not just a reunion; it was a celebration of the spirit of excellence and creativity that defines Aspire Academy's essence. It sent a clear message about the Academy's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and building a promising future for sports and education in Qatar and beyond.