Emirates' 'Dubai 7s for Good' CSR programme, dedicated to developing sports and educational facilities in disadvantaged areas, has raised AED 580,000 in its fourth year, bringing the total to AED 1.68 million raised to date, during its annual Long Lunch event.
In another year of remarkable fundraising, the programme achieved its highest total of AED 580,000 in just a few hours, which will go towards building community infrastructure and sports amenities at North Road Primary School in Uganda. A team of volunteers will be heading out to Uganda in July next year to lay the groundwork for the 2025 plan. Funds raised by the programme so far have made a significant impact at North Road Primary, a school recognised for its excellence in rugby, football, and netball, embodying Uganda's rugby heritage. Nearly half of the students participate in rugby, and the school's team is one of the best in Eastern Uganda.
Since its inception in 2021, the programme has supported the development of sports facilities at the school, establishing a rugby pitch and donating equipment along with delivering coaching for both adults and children. In addition to promoting sports development, the funds have been used to build better infrastructure for the school's community, creating a safer and healthier environment for students and locals. Last year, the programme facilitated the construction of a new water station with a 100,000-litre tank and installed a solar-powered system to supply clean water across 16 other stations. Volunteers also helped make major repairs and improvements throughout the school grounds.
Funds raised from this year's Long Lunch will go towards immediate community development needs, such as building a retaining wall to protect the rugby pitch from erosion and constructing a security fence to ensure the safety of children when playing sports on school grounds. Refurbishments to the on-site living quarters will improve accommodations for boarding students, while new changing rooms will support the growing sports programmes at the school. Additionally, a netball court will be built, with the sport growing in popularity among the girls at North Road Primary.
Mathew Tait, General Manager and Festival Director of Emirates Dubai 7s, commented: "The funds raised this year will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students at North Road Primary and the wider Mbale community. We know that sport is a powerful tool to enrich, inspire, and bring people together, and this is evident in the success of the Dubai 7s For Good programme so far."
He added, "We are aware that nearly 50% of children in Uganda do not complete primary school, so by improving facilities and creating a safe environment with access to sports amenities, we can empower students to unlock their potential, both on the pitch and in the classroom. The initiative also serves as an awareness tool for students here in the UAE and, with the World Rugby SVNS Series taking place annually at the Sevens Stadium, we hope a shared love for sport can continue to fuel a big difference to the lives of others."
The Emirates Dubai 7s festival weekend will return this year, kicking off the first of the World Rugby SVNS Series in Dubai. The festival, taking place from Friday, 29 November to Sunday, 1 December 2024 across the UAE National Day Weekend. As the Middle East's largest sports and entertainment festival, the event offers something for everyone—from world-class and amateur rugby, cricket, and netball to padel tennis and fitness competitions. Visitors can also enjoy a three-day lineup of A-list headline artists and a range of family-friendly festival activities.
Standard tickets are available for AED 425, or AED 550 for full weekend passes and AED 325 for People of Determination. Reserved seating and hospitality packages are available too via emiratesdubai7s.com.
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