Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford MBE is set to open the inaugural World School Games in Dubai Sports City tomorrow.
Rutherford has been World, European and Commonwealth champion and is Great Britain’s most decorated long-jumper. He will address the teams and spectators during the Opening Ceremony at Dubai Sports Park.
Rutherford was part of the iconic ‘Super Saturday’ during London 2012 – a night of sports action which saw Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis crowned Olympic champions alongside Rutherford who was victorious in the long jump.
The Englishman is in Dubai for an important training camp ahead of the 2018 season and he is set to take time out of his busy schedule to speak to athletes, pose for photos with his Olympic medals and sign autographs on Thursday morning.
World School Games Organising Committee member James Hair is delighted to have an athlete of Rutherford’s stature present at the Opening Ceremony. He feels that it will be an inspiration for the young athletes and hopes that lessons can be learned from a man who has been at the very top of athletics for a number of years.
“We are so pleased to welcome Greg to Dubai for the World School Games. He is the type of athlete who the young people can look up to. He is in the UAE as he returns from injury and I think this shows the just how much dedication and commitment is required to compete on the world stage.”
“We look forward to having Greg with us for the Opening Ceremony, it’s a privilege to be in the company of a man who has won so many titles and we hope the students and coaches can make the most of their time with him.”
Greg Rutherford has also been doing work with Athletes in Schools, a concept that brings British Olympians, Paralympians, and Team GB athletes into schools throughout the UAE.
Its purpose is primarily to inspire the future generation by increasing positivity and happiness. For more information visit: http://athletesinschools.ae/.
The World School Games kicks off at Dubai Sports Park tomorrow, with twelve teams from around the globe competing to be crowned World Champions over three-days. Stay tuned to gulfyouthsport.com for updates, interviews and highlights throughout the event.