AUS Sharakah Sports Festival draws over 4,000 students in a celebration of sportsmanship and community

The sound of cheers, the thrill of competition and the spirit of sportsmanship filled the air at American University of Sharjah (AUS) as the annual Sharakah Sports Festival welcomed more than 4,000 students from 62 schools across the UAE. 

From the fast-paced action of football, basketball and volleyball to the intense sprints of track and field and the precision of table tennis, the festival—organized by the AUS Office of Enrollment Management (OEM)-Sharakah Program—offered something for every sports enthusiast. This year, the event introduced exciting new elements that made the experience even more dynamic. For the first time, a Sportsmanship Award was presented to Dubai International School, Al Garhoud, and Delhi Private School, Sharjah, recognizing teams that displayed fairness, integrity and respect—values that go beyond victory and define true champions.

Adding to the festival’s energy was the Sharakah Bazaar, where external vendors set up interactive booths, offering live activities, giveaways and vouchers for attendees.

The growing popularity of the festival was evident, particularly in the boys’ football category, where the overwhelming number of participants led to the creation of four winning groups. In addition to traditional competitions, students tested their limits in fitness challenges like push-ups, burpees and rope-pull contests, all accompanied by prizes to fuel their motivation. The event wasn’t just for the athletes—photo booths, henna stations, face painting and bouncy castles ensured that fun was in store for everyone.

“The remarkable turnout this year is a testament to the festival’s growing appeal. Each year, more schools express their interest in participating and the demand continues to rise. This festival is not just about winning trophies; it’s about building connections, promoting sportsmanship and creating lasting memories for students across the UAE,” said Hala Al Jundi, Sharakah Program Officer at AUS.

Among the many participants was Karthik Radha Mahendran from Delhi Private School, who secured a bronze medal in table tennis.

"Participating in the table tennis tournament was thrilling. The high level of competition pushed me to perform at my best, and I’m extremely happy to have secured third place. The sportsmanship, organization and enthusiasm that defined the festival made it an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to future editions," he said.

The AUS Sharakah Program fosters partnerships with select schools in the UAE and the region to engage school students and teachers by offering a wide range of events, activities and a scholarship program as part of the university’s community engagement strategic initiative. For more information about the AUS Sharakah Program, visit www.aus.edu/sharakah.