SPORT @ DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY - EMIRATES HILLS
Best Sport School Award Application
Parent Involvement & Volunteer Opportunities
At DIA Emirates Hills, we believe that sport thrives when it is supported by the wider community-and our parents play an essential role in bringing this vision to life. We actively foster a culture where parents are not only spectators, but valued contributors to our school’s sport ecosystem, engaging meaningfully in the growth and celebration of our students’ sporting journeys.
From leading warm-ups and officiating during house events, to assisting at tournaments and co-leading CCA sessions, parent volunteers are involved at every level. Many also contribute as assistant coaches across selected teams, offering expertise, mentorship, and encouragement while building stronger bonds between school and home. Their presence enriches our programmes with real-world perspective and provides invaluable support during high-volume sporting seasons.
We also welcome parent professionals to lead workshops during events like the Dubai 30x30 Fitness Challenge, supporting our wellness education goals through talks on nutrition, injury prevention, and mental health. Their involvement elevates the quality of our programming and reinforces the shared values of lifelong well-being and sport for all.
Our open-door approach to parental involvement is not only practical—it reflects our belief that sport is most impactful when it is a collective effort. Together, we create a connected, inspired, and values-driven sporting environment that strengthens the school community as a whole.
Alumni Connections and Guest Speakers
At DIA Emirates Hills, we honour the legacy of our student-athletes by maintaining strong connections with alumni who have continued their sporting journey beyond school. These former students serve as inspiring examples for our current learners—demonstrating that the values, discipline, and passion cultivated through our programme remain relevant well into adulthood.
Many of our alumni have gone on to compete at university and national levels, earning scholarships and placements at prestigious institutions such as NYU, Boston College, Loughborough University. Their stories are proudly shared within the school, through newsletters, social media spotlights, and alumni panels that give students real insight into the possibilities that lie ahead.
As part of our sport legacy, we regularly invite alumni back to campus as guest speakers, coaching assistants, or event presenters. Whether offering tactical advice, sharing personal stories of resilience, or simply reflecting on their time at DIA, these sessions are powerful opportunities for mentorship, connection, and continuity.
Beyond former students, we also welcome external professionals and elite athletes—including Olympians and national coaches -who deliver workshops and talks that inspire students to think globally, dream boldly, and reflect on sport as a lifelong pursuit.
These engagements add richness and authenticity to our sport culture, linking past, present, and future through lived experience and shared values. By celebrating and learning from those who came before, our students are empowered to see sport not just as a school activity, but as a lifelong journey and a lasting legacy.
Community Sport Days and Family Fitness Events
Community connection is at the heart of our sport culture at DIA Emirates Hills. We believe that movement brings people together - and our Community Sport Days and Family Fitness Events are a powerful reflection of this philosophy. These events create inclusive, joyful opportunities for students, parents, staff, and siblings to come together, share in physical activity, and strengthen the bonds that make our school a vibrant, united community.
Each term, we host whole-school Community Sport Days, featuring friendly competitions, inclusive games, staff-parent relays, and student-led wellness activities. These are not about podiums - they are about participation, spirit, and shared experience. Families are encouraged to join in every aspect of the event, and students thrive on seeing their loved ones actively involved in the environment that shapes their learning.
We also align our Family Fitness Events with national initiatives such as Dubai 30x30, where parents and staff collaborate to lead morning workouts, walkathons, or themed movement challenges. From yoga on the field to cycling and team-building circuits, these events promote health and enjoyment across generations.
By embedding these traditions into our calendar, we move beyond performance to create memories and reinforce the importance of wellness, togetherness, and lifelong activity. At DIA EH, sport is never confined to the classroom - it belongs to the whole community, and we celebrate that every step of the way.
Sustainability in Sport (Equipment Reuse, Awareness)
At DIA Emirates Hills, sustainability is not just a concept-it is a commitment that runs through every layer of our school community, including our approach to sport. We are proud to be recognised as one of the Top 3 Environmentally Sustainable Schools in the World, a reflection of our deep integration of eco-conscious practices into school life and student learning.
In sport, we actively promote reuse, conservation, and environmental awareness. One of our most successful initiatives is the school-wide programme for collecting and redistributing gently used sports equipment and uniforms. Students and families donate items such as football boots,gear, PE kits, which are then supplied to those in need - both within the school and in partner communities abroad. Through this initiative, we have supported under-resourced schools across Africa, extending access to sport while promoting a culture of giving.
We also work closely with Dubai Cares, organising donation drives and fundraising campaigns connected to school sporting events. These actions reinforce our message that sport is not only about personal development-it is also a platform for solidarity, compassion, and global impact.
Our students and coaches are educated and expected to model sustainable behaviour. From avoiding single-use plastics at school and sporting events and using reusable water bottles, to organising “green events” and integrating environmental topics into PHE lessons, our commitment to sustainability is hands-on and visible. Our sports ambassadors also take part in awareness campaigns that combine sport, service, and environmental consciousness.
By weaving sustainability into the fabric of our sport culture, we equip students with the mindset and habits to act responsibly - not only as athletes, but as future leaders who understand that excellence includes care for the planet and others
Social Responsibility and Giving Back Through Sport
At DIA Emirates Hills, we believe that sport is not only a means of physical development and personal achievement—it is also a powerful tool for positive social impact. Our sport and Physical & Health Education programmes are deeply aligned with the values of empathy, service, and responsibility, offering students the opportunity to give back, lead by example, and use their talents to uplift others.
We actively promote social responsibility through sport-based service initiatives—from charity matches and awareness events to international donation drives. Students are engaged in meaningful campaigns, such as fundraising for Dubai Cares, collecting pre-loved sports equipment for under-resourced schools in Africa, and supporting community outreach events in collaboration with local and global organisations. These activities help students realise that their actions, both on and off the field, can make a lasting difference.
Throughout the year, students and staff participate in cause-driven sport events—including walkathons, house-based charity challenges, and themed tournaments supporting global and local causes. These events are not only engaging and community-oriented but also instil in students the understanding that sport can be a platform for advocacy, awareness, and shared purpose.
In our leadership programmes, such as the Sports Ambassadors initiative, students are encouraged to take initiative in planning, promoting, and executing projects that align sport with service. Whether mentoring younger students, volunteering at events, or leading wellness activities during Dubai 30x30, they learn to lead with heart and serve with intention.
By embedding social responsibility into our sport culture, we create a generation of athletes who not only strive for success—but who understand the power of sport to connect, include, and make the world better.