[Dubai, June 19] Swiss International School Dubai is renowned for its academic
prowess, but now it is celebrating sporting excellence too, after every pupil training
at the school’s Speedo Swim Academy has secured a place in their respective
national or international competitions this summer.
SISD, which ranks among the top 100 private schools in the world, launched its
unique Speedo Swim Academy in September 2022, with pupils dedicating training
time before and after normal school hours. Expert coaches from Speedo deliver
bespoke training to the pupils – which has clearly already paid off.
In just the first year of the award-winning IB curriculum school’s swimming academy,
the coaches and school staff have delivered outstanding success for the swimmers.
Combining school and swimming timetables makes it easier for students and parents
to support the level of training required to be able to achieve success at competitive
level.
Rob Duncan, Head of Sport, at the Al-Jadaf based school, says: “We are very proud
of what our swimming academy members have achieved in only one year. For all the
academy swimmers to achieve national or international swimming opportunities for
their country is a fantastic achievement. Our partner, Speedo, has embraced our
approach to this new kind of Academy – and the results are certainly paying off.”
The pupils who have worked so hard to achieve competitive rankings and places in
national and international competitions are Charlie – French Open Nationals, Kenza
– French Youth Nationals, Kyan – reached the French Junior Nationals, Levin –
reached the Swiss nationals, Noah – Luxembourg nationals and Henry – Swedish
Junior Nationals.
The dedicated swimming programme is unique in the UAE – with pupils swimming
before and after school, and taking breakfast with boarding students before school.
The academy is part of a holistic training programme and approach to competitive
sport.
Caroline Potel, UAE Head Coach and Swim Director for Speedo, adds: “I am thrilled
with what we have managed to achieve as a team – SISD and Speedo – and am
excited about what we can work towards in the year ahead. We have new swimmers
joining the SISD Academy too, so it will be an exciting year ahead!”
As well as the Speedo Swim Academy, the school will soon offer an Athletics
Academy in collaboration with AIS Athletics, alongside a host of sports clubs where
pupils from as young as 8 are always encouraged to participate.
SISD is a member of the Dubai Affiliated School Sport Association (DASSA). DASSA
oversees school sporting competitions for more than 70 Dubai schools in a variety of
sports. The school’s academic year includes three sport seasons, aligned with its
after school activities calendar.
SISD currently has competitive teams for both boys and girls in basketball, football,
golf, tennis, swimming and track and field.
Sporting facilities at the school include the Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball
courts, football pitches, a full-sized gym and cardio suite, indoor and outdoor running
tracks, tennis and paddle tennis courts, beach volleyball and more.
