Over 40 travelling spectators will make the trip to Dubai from Athens to cheer on St Catherine's British School at the inaugural World School Games in Dubai next month.
The team of ten girls and ten boys will be led to the United Arab Emirates by Hayley Kemp, Head of Physical Education at St Catherine’s. The group of student athletes are looking forward to taking part in the inaugural worldwide event.
"It's quite remarkable", a proud Kemp exclaimed, "we're blessed with supportive parents at St Catherine's and with over 40 joining us on the plane to Dubai, it speaks volumes, as a school we have really bought into the spirit of the Games!"
Kemp says her team have been hard at work since receiving their invite to the Games, with the athletes keen to 
ensure they are thoroughly prepared before taking on schools from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
"St Catherine’s are excited to be bringing our athletes to Dubai after months of training. All of the student athletes are ready and raring to go. We feel honoured to be competing at the inaugural games."
“We are looking forward to competing in a new environment, against top schools, as well as being given the opportunity to visit the bright lights of Dubai.”
The World Primary School Games will see schools compete in football, athletics and swimming competitions across three days. Coach Kemp believes her team’s strongest event with be the athletics but she is most looking forward to giving her students the chance to meet like-minded athletes from across the world.
“Our team are particularly looking forward to the athletics, as well as looking to challenge in football and swimming. The highlight of the Games, as always with international competitions, is getting the opportunity to experience new cultures and make new friends."
St Catherine’s Boys Captain, Elias, can’t wait for the chance to showcase his school’s sporting talents on the world stage – while the chance to compete with some family members in attendance is something he is really looking forward to.
“It is really exciting to be travelling to Dubai, especially because I have lived in Dubai before. It will be very special for me because my father and sister are in Dubai and they will be able to come and support our team during the Games.”
The World Primary School Games are being staged in Dubai, Thursday 7th – Saturday 10th February 2018, at Dubai Sports City (Athletics/Football) and GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail (Swimming). The inaugual secondary event takes place in Dubai in February 2019. Gulf Youth Sport is the Official Media Partner of The Games – stay tuned for live streaming, updates and exclusive interviews throughout the event.