OSSA launches plan for new season

MUSCAT, OCT 8

The Oman School Sports Association (OSSA) on Tuesday celebrated the launch of its 2025–2026 season plan and programmes, under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, and Chairman of the OSSA.

The event was attended by senior executives, sports association heads and education officials. The new plan features around 20 diverse events, including competitions, festivals and training programmes to be implemented across educational directorates, with several centralised in Muscat Governorate. This comes within the framework of a long-term strategy extending to 2027, aiming to establish an integrated school sports system and nurture young talents.

Dr Abdullah affirmed that the OSSA's 2025–26 plan builds on previous achievements and aims to expand programmes and activities, discover and develop young talents, with a focus on individual sports and strengthening partnerships to achieve a qualitative leap in school sports.

In her speech, Safaa bint Saif al Salmiyah, OSSA Board Member, emphasised that since its establishment in 2016, the association has worked to instill the concept of

‘Sports as a Lifestyle’ by organising initiatives that enhance the educational environment for both students and teachers. She highlighted the alignment of the OSSA's goals with Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to build a globally competitive sports sector contributing to the national economy.

Al Salmiya expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) and private sector partners, notably OQ Group and Pocari Sweat, for their continued support, stressing that strategic partnerships are key to achieving sustainable progress.

Yousef bin Awadh Bait Saleem, Board Member, presented a visual overview of the OSSA's upcoming projects, including ‘Chess for Every Student’ in collaboration with

the Oman Chess Committee, Community Sailing Programme, Schools Esports League and the 3x3 Basketball Championship.

The OSSA also plans educational initiatives such as ‘Social Media Essentials for School Sports’ and ‘Sports Marketing Management,’ alongside inclusive events under the slogan ‘Everyone is a Winner,’ including festivals for students with disabilities and the Ideal Weight Challenge Programme.

The ceremony concluded with Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi honouring the OSSA's strategic partners and media representatives for their support and contribution, he reaffirmed that the coming stage will witness broader participation and enhanced programmes that further strengthen school sports across the Sultanate of Oman.