Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week consolidates the culture of sports through a race "Fun challenge" For children
Abu Dhabi, November 23 / WAM / The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, organized the third edition of the “Fun Challenge” race at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
The race is organized within the activities of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025, and within the framework of the “Weed” initiative for early childhood development. It is a global platform that brings together ideas, people and systems with the aim of transforming knowledge in the field of early childhood development into effective practices that make a tangible impact.
The name of the initiative was inspired by the word “weed,” which expresses affection and love, embodying the UAE’s vision that innovation and tradition are able to go together to enhance the well-being of children and their families.
The race witnessed the participation of more than 500 children, accompanied by their parents, as participants covered a kilometer in an interactive, festive atmosphere that encouraged movement, fun, and family communication.
The event reflected the spirit of the week, which concludes today after organizing more than 300 events in partnership with more than 65 strategic entities from various sectors, including ADNOC, the “energy partner,” the National Academy for Child Development, “the vision partner,” and PureHealth, the “health partner.”
Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, which was held this year in its second edition under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, is a pioneering initiative that aims to consolidate the importance of the first years in a child’s life through various educational, health and entertainment activities.
The week brought together hundreds of activities in partnership with governmental, private and community institutions, with the aim of building supportive environments for children, empowering families, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a family-friendly emirate that places child well-being at the core of its vision.
This year’s race was characterized by a number of inspiring moments that gave the event a special character, as the youngest runner, who was only 3 years old, participated, along with children who had previously participated in the “Fun Challenge” races in previous years, which reflects the families’ continued connection to this annual event.
This year’s edition witnessed the allocation of larger spaces for recreational activities, and the provision of broader opportunities for interaction between children and parents, making the experience more comprehensive and inspiring.
His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Knowledge and Leadership Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said that the Fun Challenge Race for Children represents a practical example of the role of sports and play in supporting the physical and psychological development of children in their early years.
He added that physical activities stimulate healthy growth, enhance motor skills, and strengthen the relationship between the child and his family.
For his part, His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: We are proud to cooperate with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority in organizing the Fun Challenge Race for Children, an event that embodies our vision of spreading the culture of sports as a way of life starting from childhood.
He added that providing sports platforms for children enhances their health and fitness, and contributes to building a society aware of the importance of physical activity, stressing the commitment to support these specific initiatives that combine sports and family.
The Fun Challenge Race comes as part of a comprehensive approach during the Year of Society 2025 to enhance family participation, support the health and well-being of children, and provide fun and inspiring community experiences that contribute to building a more active and healthy generation.
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