Doha, June 26 (QNA) - Aspire Academy held a graduation ceremony today for its 18th cohort of student-athletes, marking the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. The event took place at the Aspire Dome, the academy's main venue.

This year's graduating class is one of the academy’s largest, with 46 student-athletes representing a variety of sports. Their graduation brings another successful academic year to a close, continuing Aspire's journey since its founding in 2004.

Attending the ceremony were several dignitaries, including HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Eng. Yasser Abdullah Al Jamal, Vice President of Aspire Zone Foundation Tarek Abdulaziz Al Naama, Acting CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation Abdullah Nasser Al Nuaimi, and Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, who serves as current Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation and Vice President of the Qatar Football Association. Also present were officials from sports federations, managers, coaches, teachers, and the families of the graduates.

The 2025 graduation coincided with the academy’s 20th anniversary, a milestone marking two decades of continuous dedication to developing Qatari champions across various disciplines.

In his speech, Deputy Director General of Aspire Academy Ali Salem Afifa expressed his great pride in seeing a new class of students’ graduate. He emphasized that Aspire has been instrumental in shaping Qatar’s sports scene, having produced numerous athletes who have excelled in a range of sports.

He added that the academy has adhered to a clear vision and guiding principle since its founding in 2004 of developing champions in sports and life. He added that this philosophy, he explained, combines athletic excellence with academic achievement, producing role models who represent Qatar on the world stage.

Reflecting on the students’ progress, he said he was proud of their accomplishments and confident that they have bright futures ahead. He noted with particular pride that several graduates from this class will represent Qatar in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which the country will host in November, with matches scheduled to take place on Aspire’s own fields.

He also remarked that this graduation is special as it aligns with the academy’s 20th anniversary, providing a perfect opportunity to reflect on past achievements and look ahead with optimism to continued progress and international success for Qatar.

During the ceremony, a short film titled was screened, highlighting the dual academic and athletic journey of Aspire students and capturing the academy’s legacy of excellence. A second film told the story of a boy named Mansour who embarks on a magical adventure through Aspire Academy, ultimately becoming a star athlete.

Principal of Aspire Academy School Jassim Mohammed Al Jaber emphasized during the graduation ceremony of the 18th cohort, held today at the academy, that this moment marked a significant milestone in the students' journey, which had been full of dedication and perseverance. He stressed the importance of continuing to work hard and remain determined, as what they have achieved is only the beginning of a new path filled with future challenges.

He went on to say that the students' success is undoubtedly the result of consistent effort and a strong will to excel. As they now stand on the brink of new opportunities, he reminded them that graduation is not the final goal but rather the start of an ongoing journey, where they represent Aspire Academy as its ambassadors.

Al Jaber concluded his speech by reaffirming that Aspire Academy follows a holistic model for success, one driven by a spirit of unity and shared purpose. The institution is dedicated to preparing young athletes, with a deep belief that education and sports must go hand in hand.

He extended his gratitude to all the academy’s departments and staff, recognizing the faculty’s significant contributions and the unwavering support of the students' parents, who stood by them through every circumstance.

On behalf of the graduating class, student Fahad Al Hajri expressed his pride in being part of Aspire Academy and reflected on the six-year journey that shaped him and his classmates.

He remarked that they are standing at the threshold of a new chapter, ready to embrace future aspirations and challenges, armed with knowledge, discipline, and determination, values that they had acquired throughout their time at Aspire.

Al Hajri also commended Qatar’s efforts in supporting youth development, saying that the years spent at Aspire were unforgettable and that every graduate would strive to remain loyal to this distinguished academic institution.

Aspire Academy continues to affirm its excellence year after year on both the local and international stages. It has successfully combined academic achievement with athletic development through carefully designed strategies that allow it to thrive in both areas.

The academy dedicates all its material and human resources to developing its students’ potential. Coaches use the latest technologies to enhance performance, host global experts, and hold conferences focused on sports developmental to nurture emerging talent.

This year’s graduating class includes promising athletes in various sports: 20 football players, 4 football referees, 17 track and field athletes, 3 swimmers, and 2 squash players.

Since its first graduating class in 2008, Aspire Academy has produced 688 athletic graduates across multiple disciplines. These individuals have enriched the Qatari sports scene by representing national teams and clubs, with many also excelling academically and professionally as doctors, engineers, pilots, and more. (QNA)