Aspire Academy yesterday welcomed an elite French delegation comprised of internationally acclaimed Olympic athletes Emmeline Ndongue, Sarah Ourahmoune and David Smétanine, who are in Doha to participate in the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly representing the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid Committee.
During the visit, delegates were given a comprehensive tour of the Academy’s facilities and classrooms, and were briefed about the services the Academy provides to its student-athletes. Delegates then signed the Wall of Fame at the Academy, and engaged with student-athletes, sharing their personal stories insightful tips for becoming successful athletes. Ali Salem Afifa, Deputy Director General at Aspire Academy, awarded the athletes trophy shields as accolades for their visit.
Speaking on the occasion, Emmeline Ndongue, acclaimed French basketball player with over 196 appearances with her national team, told student-athletes: “Whatever your dream is - find it, then continue to work very hard for it. Always remember that you might have to make sacrifices along the way, so the most important thing is that you play the sport you love.”
Sarah Ourahmoune, popular boxer and winner of the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, also praised Aspire Academy’s facilities, saying: “I wish I could have benefitted from the same facilities when I was a young athlete.”
Meanwhile, David Smétanine, Paralympic swimmer and winner of the bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics said: “The speed in which Aspire Academy was established is remarkable, While giving equal credence to sports training and education, is amazing.
Aspire Academy aims to develop students holistically, providing individuals with a comprehensive academic, social and sporting education.
