Closing ceremony

Thursday's closing ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, was attended by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, along with Mohammed Obaid Al Hossan Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Council, board members, and guests of honour representing the Emirate's sports and specialist clubs.

The ceremony opened with the national anthem, followed by a short address from Bakhit Saeed Al Qurs, head of the programme, and a screening of a short film covering the edition, which saw wide engagement and participation. Supporting and sponsoring bodies were also honoured, including Sharjah Police, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Mohammed Hilal Group, the Child Safety, and Sharjah Falconers Club. Participating clubs were then honoured, along with the best member from each club.

Awards across categories

Mleiha Club took the award for Best in the Creative Initiatives category. Among specialist clubs, Sharjah Classic Cars Club placed first, followed by Al Thiqah Club for the Disabled, with Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled in third.

In the sports clubs category, Al Madam Club finished first, followed by Dibba Al Hisn Club, with Khorfakkan Club taking third place.

Al Bataeh Club won the Overall Excellence Shield after meeting all the criteria required for the award.

Bakhit Saeed Al Qurs, director of the Sports and Community Events Department and head of the programme, reaffirmed the success of the 12th edition and extended his thanks and appreciation to the chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council for his continued support and interest in the programme and its young participants. He also thanked Dr Abdullah bin Sultan, vice chairman of the council, and Mohammed Obaid Al Hossan, secretary general, for the support that contributed to the edition's success.

Programme by numbers

This year's edition drew 2,596 participants from 16 clubs, comprising 2,319 boys and 82 girls, with Emirati nationals making up 2,021 of the total, or 83 per cent. Average attendance across the programme reached 75 per cent, with the 7-12 age group the most represented, at 68 per cent.

A satisfaction survey recorded a 98 per cent approval rate. Clubs collectively delivered 891 activities, supported by 216 volunteers, in an edition that underscored sport's role as more than competition — a space for building character, discovering talent, and shaping future ambitions and leaders.