Aspire Academy celebrated the graduation of its biggest batch of student athletes to date — 42 — in a colourful ceremony yesterday.

The student athletes have specialised in athletics, gymnastics, football, football refereeing, fencing, squash, shooting and table tennis, reported Gulf Times. 

The graduation crowns Aspire Academy’s efforts over the past 11 years and commitment to support Qatar’s significant developments in the sports field.

This year’s class brought the total number of Aspire Academy’s talented and promising graduates to 325. 

Some of the graduates have already proven themselves in various local and international events as they brought back gold, silver, and bronze medals to Qatar and were crowned championships at various tournaments.

The graduation ceremony took place in the Aspire Dome and was attended by a number of senior officials, including Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary General Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, who was the guest of honour, reported The Peninsula.

Other attendees included Aspire Zone Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Aspire Academy Director General Ivan Bravo, Aspire Academy’s Deputy Director General Ali Salem Afifa, Director of Education and Student Affairs of Aspire Academy Badr Al Hay and Jassim Al Jaber, School Principal at Aspire Academy.

“I’d like to congratulate all the student-athletes and their families who’re with us today and I wish them a successful future. I’d also like to congratulate four of our graduates who weren’t able to attend the Graduation as they’re preparing for the IAAF World U20 Championships in Tampere,” said Bravo.