Stephan Fox, President of AIMS, recently visited Bahrain to attend the 17th International Gymnasiade, a prominent school games event held under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Alongside the grand opening ceremony at the Bahrain National Stadium, Mr. Fox engaged in significant discussions with Bahraini leaders, including Dr. Abdulrahman Aaskar, CEO of the General Sports Authority, to explore future activities for AIMS Members in Bahrain, and Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee for the 2024 ISF Gymnasiade.

This year’s event, attended by 71 nations and featuring over 5,000 participants across 26 sports, underscores the importance of youth competitions in fostering sportsmanship, cultural, and educational exchange. Mr. Fox emphasized how the International School Games provide a global platform for young athletes to share their cultures, build friendships, and experience fair competition, all of which promote mutual understanding.

The Gymnasiade will be hosted at premier venues, including Isa Sports City, Khalifa Sports City, and the American University of Bahrain, solidifying Bahrain’s reputation as a key destination for global sports events dedicated to peace and youth connection. During his visit, Mr. Fox attended various sports events, where he celebrated the exceptional talent of young athletes from around the world.