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The Kingdom of Bahrain in collaboration with the International School Sport
Federation (ISF) will host the ISF 2024 Gymnasiade 18th edition, the largest school sports event in the world, from October 23 to 31, 2024. Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, this historic event is expected to attract around 5,000 student-athletes from over 80 countries to compete in 26 different sports in multiple venues across Manama, Bahrain's capital.
The International School Sport Federation (ISF) is an international governing body for school sports. Founded in 1972 with 21 European signatory nations, it now has a staggering 136 member associations from five continents. The ISF has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1995 and is a member of SportAccord, the global sports event organization based in Switzerland. Participants of the ISF are limited to school children aged between 13-18 years. The ISF organises major multi-sport events and is currently involved in over 45 recognised sports, many with their own World Championships every two years.
The ISF Gymnasiade, also known as the World Gymnasiade or World School Sport Games, is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the ISF and designed specifically for school-aged athletes. The Gymnasiade is recognized as one of the largest events under the ISF umbrella, promoting not only athletic competition but also educational values, cultural exchange among youth, and the spirit of fair play. Its mission is to organize high-standard sports and educational events for youth, strengthen the role of school sport entities in their countries, and develop education through sport.
The event will feature a diverse range of sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, basketball 3x3, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, judo, swimming, tennis, wrestling and many more. Beyond the competitive events, participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, and cultural activities that promote education and cultural exchange.
The ISF Gymnasiade 2024 Bahrain represents an important achievement in the event's history, as it aims to be the largest gathering of school athletes globally.
Bahrain, with its rich sporting history, vibrant culture, commitment to youth development and the advancement of the sports sector, make it the perfect host for this upcoming, monumental event. As a multicultural country that welcomes people from all over the world with its warm hospitality, Bahrain promises to provide a stunning backdrop for this global school sports event. The Kingdom's capital, Manama, is known for its religious diversity, housing places of worship for various faiths within a one-kilometer radius, showcasing the country's spirit of openness and inclusivity. Bahrain's unique island setting, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and diverse tourism offerings make it an attractive destination for visitors from around the globe.
As Bahrain opens its doors to the world, it showcases its commitment to nurturing young talent and its passion for sports. The ISF Gymnasiade 2024 marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey as a sports-loving nation, reinforcing its position as a key player in international sports hosting and a champion of youth development through sports.
