Kings’ School Al Barsha will welcome 15 institutions from across the region this week as they challenge for honours in the Under-11 BSME Games.

The annual competition, which takes place from March 1-3 will see children compete in various sports including football, netball, basketball, athletics and swimming.

It will be the second BMSE tournament that Kings’ will stage following the U-11 netball championship in 2017.

Alan Williamson, director of Kings’ School Al Barsha, said they are looking forward to hosting the event, saying sport is the perfect platform to inspire students.

“It’s both an honour and a privilege to host this year’s prestigious event,” he said. “Competitive sport plays a vital role in developing rounded and healthy students. We believe passionately at Kings’ that students should be effective contributors and confident individuals, and both of these capacities are developed through sports.

“We also believe that recognising and celebrating excellence, whether it be in sports, the arts or academic fields, is a great way to inspire and motivate all students. The BSME Games represent a selection of the very best young athletes in the Middle East, and this should inspire all students, no matter where they’re from, to strive for excellence.”

Stuart Rees Jones, chief executive officer of Camps International, which is a Gold Sponsor, added: “As part of our joint football initiative with Kings’ and the BSME Games, we have asked local companies to join forces with us and sponsor the production of 1,000 footballs, which we will then give to under-funded schools in Africa and Asia.

“We also hope our support will help raise awareness among UAE students about the importance of creating long-term sustainable change in communities, the environment and wildlife.”