logo
Two-time Olympic champion steps in as sports advisor at Dubai's new flagship school

Two-time Olympic champion steps in as sports advisor at Dubai's new flagship school

Dubai Eye23-05-2025

Two-time Olympic gold medallist and President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, will step in as special advisor for sports at the flagship GEMS School of Research and Innovation that will open in August.
Coe will bring his vast experience in elite sport and youth development to support the school's vision, said Gems in a statement.
In his advisory role, Coe will work with the school's senior leadership team to ensure that excellence in physical education and wellbeing is fully integrated into the learning experience, supporting students to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong health and physical habits.
'The facilities and ambition at SRI are world-class. But more importantly, the vision to develop well-rounded global citizens who understand teamwork, perseverance, and personal bests is one I wholeheartedly share," he said.
The school, pegged as the "most expensive", features state-of-the -art facilities, including a 400m track, 50m Olympic-standard swimming pool, FIFA-standard elevated football pitch, and a world-class gymnasium.
Coe's "experience will be invaluable in shaping a truly integrated and future-ready education at the GEMS School of Research and Innovation," highlighted Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education.
The school earlier announced the appointment of former UK foreign secretary William Hague, former Chief Inspector of Ofsted Amanda Spielman, and former UK Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb in advisory roles.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NBA SUPERSTAR AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSMAN KEVIN DURANT PARTNERS WITH QATAR SPORTS INVESTMENTS, INVESTING DIRECTLY IN PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
NBA SUPERSTAR AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSMAN KEVIN DURANT PARTNERS WITH QATAR SPORTS INVESTMENTS, INVESTING DIRECTLY IN PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Web Release

time16 hours ago

  • Web Release

NBA SUPERSTAR AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSMAN KEVIN DURANT PARTNERS WITH QATAR SPORTS INVESTMENTS, INVESTING DIRECTLY IN PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Qatar Sports Investments, the majority-owner of European Champions Paris Saint-Germain, has signed an investment and strategic partnership agreement with Kevin Durant, one of the most decorated US basketball players of all time and a leading investor in sports and entertainment properties. The deal will see Durant – via his media and investment arm Boardroom, with entrepreneur and long-time business partner Rich Kleiman – acquire a direct minority stake in the Club. In August 2024, Durant – the two-time NBA Champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, MVP, and fifteen-time NBA All-Star – partnered with Paris Saint-Germain through Arctos Partners, a minority shareholder in the Club. Earlier this week, Qatar Sports Investments and Boardroom Sports Holdings – Durant's personal investment vehicle which holds stakes in a range of leading sports teams and leagues – signed a share purchase and strategic partnership agreement whereby Durant has become a direct minority shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain. As part of the relationship, Boardroom and Qatar Sports Investments will partner on a wide-series of commercial, investment, and content initiatives; and Durant will support the Club on its continued sports and business diversification and growth – including co-developing merchandise and original media content; advising on the Club's US and other international markets strategy; supporting PSG for Communities (the Club's charitable foundation and fundraising arm); and consulting on Paris Saint-Germain's multi-sport strategy including potential plans in basketball. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments said, 'QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our Group. We continually seek to elevate the Club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.' Kevin Durant said, 'It is an honour to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain – a Club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead, and I can't wait to be a part of the next phase of growth; and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.'

Club World Cup: Lionel Messi guides Inter Miami to historic victory over Porto
Club World Cup: Lionel Messi guides Inter Miami to historic victory over Porto

The National

timea day ago

  • The National

Club World Cup: Lionel Messi guides Inter Miami to historic victory over Porto

Lionel Messi led the way once again as his stunning free kick secured Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto in their Club World Cup Group A clash on Thursday. It was the first time a Concacaf team had defeated a European side in an official Fifa tournament. The Argentine great proved decisive as the Major-league Soccer side bounced back from their disappointing goalless draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly in their opening match. Samu Omorodion converted a penalty in the opening minutes after a video review for the Portuguese club's first goal of the tournament. Telasco Segovia then drew parity two minutes into the second half off a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt. Then it was time for the 37-year-old Argentine to shine with a trademark goal – finding the top corner with a second half set-piece. 'It's a huge joy, the whole team made a big effort, we worked really well,' Messi told DAZN. 'It's a really important win for us and we have to enjoy it. You can see that we want to compete, and today we competed against a really good European team. We knew that today we were weaker, but we had our strengths.' Messi was the game's outstanding player, involved heavily from the off. The former Barcelona great clipped a dipping ball in behind for veteran striker Luis Suarez, who could only prod it at the goalkeeper. Porto took the lead in the eighth minute after being awarded a soft penalty after a VAR review, as Miami defender Noah Allen made light contact with Joao Mario in the box. Spain international Aghehowa beat Oscar Ustari, who had saved a penalty in the goalless draw against Al Ahly, even though the stopper got a hand to his low effort. Uruguayan striker Suarez, 38, might have levelled after Messi threaded him through on goal but, forced to use his weaker left foot, Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos denied him. Javier Mascherano's side almost levelled through US international Benjamin Cremaschi after a charge from Suarez broke open Porto's defence, but Ramos made a smart stop to thwart him. Maximiliano Falcon brilliantly headed off his own goal-line with Ustari beaten by Rodrigo Mora's effort to keep Inter Miami hopes alive. Ustari denied Aghehowa and then scrambled the ball to safety as it rolled towards his net after Alan Varela crashed a shot off the upright and it hit him on the back, as Porto turned up the heat before the break. Miami levelled right at the start of the second half, with Segovia blasting home Weigandt's inviting cutback to stun the Portuguese side. Messi then sent Miami ahead with a goal all of his own making after 54 minutes. ' (Messi) is a leader, he's the player he is, he's the greatest player in the world,' Miami forward Fafa Picault said. 'I had a feeling (the free-kick) was going in. That was a great goal, a great show of leadership and coming in a clutch moment for us.'

Club World Cup: Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to historic win over Porto
Club World Cup: Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to historic win over Porto

The National

time2 days ago

  • The National

Club World Cup: Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to historic win over Porto

Lionel Messi led the way once again as his stunning free kick secured Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto in their Club World Cup Group A clash on Thursday. It was the first time a CONCACAF team had defeated a European side in an official Fifa tournament. The Argentine great proved decisive as the Major-league Soccer side bounced back from their disappointing goalless draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly in their opening match. Samu Omorodion converted a penalty in the opening minutes after a video review for the Portuguese club's first goal of the tournament. Telasco Segovia then drew parity two minutes into the second half off a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt. Then it was time for the 37-year-old Argentine to shine with a trademark goal – finding the top corner with a second half set-piece. 'It's a huge joy, the whole team made a big effort, we worked really well,' Messi told DAZN. 'It's a really important win for us and we have to enjoy it. You can see that we want to compete, and today we competed against a really good European team. We knew that today we were weaker, but we had our strengths.' Messi was the game's outstanding player, involved heavily from the off. The former Barcelona great clipped a dipping ball in behind for veteran striker Luis Suarez, who could only prod it at the goalkeeper. Porto took the lead in the eighth minute after being awarded a soft penalty after a VAR review, as Miami defender Noah Allen made light contact with Joao Mario in the box. Spain international Aghehowa beat Oscar Ustari, who had saved a penalty in the goalless draw against Al Ahly, even though the stopper got a hand to his low effort. Uruguayan striker Suarez, 38, might have levelled after Messi threaded him through on goal but, forced to use his weaker left foot, Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos denied him. Javier Mascherano's side almost levelled through US international Benjamin Cremaschi after a charge from Suarez broke open Porto's defence, but Ramos made a smart stop to thwart him. Maximiliano Falcon brilliantly headed off his own goal-line with Ustari beaten by Rodrigo Mora's effort to keep Inter Miami hopes alive. Ustari denied Aghehowa and then scrambled the ball to safety as it rolled towards his net after Alan Varela crashed a shot off the upright and it hit him on the back, as Porto turned up the heat before the break. Miami levelled right at the start of the second half, with Segovia blasting home Weigandt's inviting cutback to stun the Portuguese side. Messi then sent Miami ahead with a goal all of his own making after 54 minutes. ' (Messi) is a leader, he's the player he is, he's the greatest player in the world,' Miami forward Fafa Picault said. 'I had a feeling (the free-kick) was going in. That was a great goal, a great show of leadership and coming in a clutch moment for us.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store