Emaar Retail said it has partnered with Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education & School Sports to host a fun-filled sports and skills challenge at Sega Republic, a massive indoor theme park in Dubai.

Sega Republic, which is located at The Dubai Mall, will host the challenge featuring its sports-based rides and games until May 31, said a statement from Emaar Retail, a premier developer of iconic leisure and entertainment destinations in Dubai.

Over 80 schools in Dubai are taking part in the 'Sports & Skills Challenge 2011,' which is the first of its kind in the UAE bringing sports-based rides as competitive events for school students.

The participating schools were accredited through a registration process wherein each school nominated up to six students.

Commenting on the event, Arif Amiri, chief executive officer, Emaar Retail said: 'We believe in providing holistic educational and extra-curricular learning experiences for our young visitors.'

'Joining forces with Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education & School Sports marks another first in Dubai, where a leading leisure destination is partnering with a government agency to promote sports.'

'This further underscores our commitment to reach out to schools and educational institutions and foster positive community engagement,' Amiri noted.

Ahmad Abdul-Rahman, project manager of the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education & School Sports said: “The partnership with Emaar Retail to host the first of its kind sports challenge highlights our commitment to bring varied extra-curricular experiences for school students in Dubai and the UAE.'

'The championship will foster the values of team spirit, solidarity and healthy competitiveness among students,' he remarked.

Milton D’Souza, head of operations at Sega Republic, said: “The championship is aimed at promoting the physical and intellectual skills of students. Sega Republic has a variety of games in the Sports Zone, and the competition on some of our most popular rides, will be a refreshing new experience for the participants.'

The championship is categorized into four age groups for students under 10, 12, 15 and 17 years of age and includes an elimination round, quarter finals, semi-finals and finals.

The games for the first three rounds will be from 9am to 12pm, while the finals will be from 10am to 4pm. Sega Republic will remain open for the public during this period of the competition.

Winners will receive medals and the winning school a championship trophy. Prize sponsors include McDonalds UAE, Hamley’s, RAGE Action Sports and California Pizza Kitchen.-TradeArabia News Service