University of Sharjah launches sports festival for freshmen

September 20, 2025 / 2:18 PM

Sharjah24:Under the patronage of Professor Issamuddin Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, Dr Amina Al Mazrouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, inaugurated the annual sports festival for new students for the academic year 2025–2026. The event was held at the sports complex of the Deanship of Student Affairs with wide participation from first-year students.

Encouraging healthy lifestyles
Dr Al Mazrouqi expressed her delight at the strong turnout, emphasising the importance of sports in promoting overall health and their positive effect on the biological age of the body’s systems and organs. She also encouraged more students, particularly those in university housing, to actively participate in year-round sports activities organised by the Sports Activities Department.

Performances and tours
The opening featured martial arts demonstrations in karate, taekwondo, and jiu-jitsu, followed by a tour led by Dr Al Mazrouqi alongside Dr Hisham Abdel Halim, Head of Student Activities. Captain Salah Taher Al Amri, Head of Sports Activities, explained the goals of the festival, including breaking down barriers between new and senior students, encouraging social bonds, and allowing coaches to identify sporting talents for the university’s teams.

Competitions across multiple sports
The festival included competitions in fitness challenges, swimming, racquet games, basketball, volleyball, billiards, chess, and 100-metre sprint races. Students showcased their skills and competed in a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Holistic student development
The University of Sharjah stressed that the festival reflects its commitment to providing a comprehensive academic environment that goes beyond education, fostering extracurricular activities that enhance students’ intellectual, physical, and personal growth.