Ronaldinho attends the opening ceremony of the “University Games” in Abu Dhabi

Brazilian football legend and former FC Barcelona player, Ronaldinho, attended the opening ceremony of the first edition of the University Games Championship, the day before yesterday, at the International Tennis Center in Abu Dhabi Sports City, which is organized by the Emirates Sports Federation for School and University Education Institutions, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC). Under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports.

The tournament aims to promote university sports through strong sports competitions held annually, to create a stimulating sports environment in universities, which contributes to the discovery and development of distinguished Emirati sports talents, in a way that supports the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031, in addition to creating a distinguished sports environment among student circles that enhances… The country’s position as a leading sports destination regionally and globally.

The results of the draw to determine the opening matches for each team participating in the University Games were announced, in the presence of more than 2,500 participants and followers, who were able to practice interactive activities before and after the ceremony, in addition to presenting various entertainment shows in which the Brazilian star Ronaldinho participated in a distinctive enthusiastic crowd atmosphere.

For his part, Minister of Sports, Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, said: “The University Games, which is one of the most important initiatives that emerged from the ‘Future of Sports Retreat’, represents a pivotal step towards developing UAE sports and achieving the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031 by expanding the base of participation within universities. And enhancing competitiveness among the sons and daughters of the Emirates, in line with the visions and directives of our wise leadership.”

The organizing committee of the event announced the allocation of 3.4 million dirhams, as rewards and incentives, to support the athletes participating in the tournament, in confirmation of its commitment to providing opportunities for success and brilliance to everyone with talent, and its keenness on the success and continuity of this pioneering initiative. The tournament, in which 28 universities from various emirates of the country participate, includes six sports competitions throughout the season in three team sports: football, basketball, and volleyball, with the participation of 105 sports teams consisting of more than 1,100 male and female players.

. The tournament aims to promote university sports and create a stimulating environment for discovering and developing sports talent.