SISD pupils making a mark in swim events

DUBAI: Swiss International School Dubai is renowned for its academic prowess, but now it is celebrating sporting excellence too, after every pupil training at the school’s Speedo Swim Academy has secured a place in their respective national or international competitions this summer.

SISD, which ranks among the top 100 private schools in the world, launched its unique Speedo Swim Academy in September 2022, with pupils dedicating training time before and after normal school hours. Expert coaches from Speedo deliver bespoke training to the pupils — which has clearly already paid off.

In just the first year of the award-winning IB curriculum school’s swimming academy, the coaches and school staff have delivered outstanding success for the swimmers.

Combining school and swimming timetables makes it easier for students and parents to support the level of training required to be able to achieve success at competitive level.

Rob Duncan, Head of Sport, at the Al-Jadaf based school, says: “We are very proud of what our swimming academy members have achieved in only one year. For all the academy swimmers to achieve national or international swimming opportunities for their country is a fantastic achievement. Our partner, Speedo, has embraced our approach to this new kind of Academy — and the results are certainly paying off.”

The pupils who have worked so hard to achieve competitive rankings and places in national and international competitions are Charlie – French Open Nationals, Kenza – French Youth Nationals, Kyan – reached the French Junior Nationals, Levin – reached the Swiss nationals, Noah – Luxembourg nationals, and Henry – Swedish Junior Nationals.

The dedicated swimming programme is unique in the UAE – with pupils swimming before and after school, and taking breakfast with boarding students before school.

The academy is part of a holistic training programme and approach to competitive sport.

Caroline Potel, UAE Head Coach and Swim Director for Speedo, adds: “I am thrilled with what we have managed to achieve as a team — SISD and Speedo — and am excited about what we can work towards in the year ahead. We have new swimmers joining the SISD Academy too, so it will be an exciting year ahead!”

As well as the Speedo Swim Academy, the school will soon offer an Athletics Academy in collaboration with AIS Athletics, alongside a host of sports clubs where pupils from as young as 8 are always encouraged to participate.

SISD is a member of the Dubai Affiliated School Sport Association (DASSA). DASSA oversees school sporting competitions for more than 70 Dubai schools in a variety of sports. The school’s academic year includes three sport seasons, aligned with its after school activities calendar.

SISD currently has competitive teams for both boys and girls in basketball, football, golf, tennis, swimming and track and field.

Sporting facilities at the school include the Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball courts, football pitches, a full-sized gym and cardio suite, indoor and outdoor running tracks, tennis and padel tennis courts, beach volleyball and more.