Kids the focus: LMA’s Dubai sporting exchange

Officials from the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), Australia’s oldest not-for-profit Islamic organisation, ran a pioneering sports and cultural exchange program in Dubai from 29 July to 2 August.

The initiative, “Sporting Horizons: Exporting Australia’s Sporting Culture and Passion to the United Arab Emirates,” brought together Australian sports experts in soccer and Australian Rules Football to engage local youth in a unique summer program.

The project was supported by the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) through the 2023-2024 grants program. 

CAAR’s mission is to deepen ties between Australia and Arab nations by promoting mutual interests and enhancing cultural understanding. 

The LMA’s initiative did just that, offering boys and girls living in Dubai a rich blend of sports and leadership activities while fostering cross-cultural connections.

The program’s success can be credited to the collaborative efforts of several partners, including the Bachar Houli Foundation, the Auburn Sports Club, AFL Middle East, Get the Kids Fit UAE and Lighthouse Community Services Incorporated. 

The week-long event was hosted at the Australian International School Dubai, whose impressive facilities provided an ideal environment for the activities.

LMA Grants Officer Khaled Kamalmaz explained that the decision to run the program in Dubai was driven by his organisation’s commitment to nurturing youth potential and building stronger cultural bridges.

“This program was an incredible opportunity for us to share Australia’s passion for sports with youth in the UAE while also strengthening ties between our communities,” Mr Kamalmaz told AMUST.

The daily schedule included Australian Rules Football and soccer clinics, along with leadership talks designed to motivate and inspire the young participants. 

Ali Faraj, representing the Bachar Houli Foundation and the GWS Giants, led the AFL sessions. 

Mr Faraj, who also serves as the Executive General Manager for Community and Inclusion at GWS Giants, emphasised the importance of using sports as a vehicle for promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. 

On the soccer front, Steve Elriche, President of Auburn Sports Club, provided expert coaching and guidance. 

Leadership activities were overseen by Ghandi Sindyan from Lighthouse Community Services, who delivered impactful sessions aimed at developing the next generation of leaders.

Local facilitators from Get the Kids Fit UAE also played a crucial role, running various sports drills that kept the young attendees engaged and motivated throughout the program. 

Whilst staff and executive members from the LMA were also involved in the delivery of the program.

Feedback from parents, many of whom are expatriates living in Dubai, was overwhelmingly positive. 

“The kids loved every moment, and the program not only improved their sports skills but also gave them valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership,” one happy parent enthused.

The initiative was almost at capacity with approximately 50 of the available registrations being taken up.

Reflecting on the program’s success, Khaled Kamalmaz expressed gratitude to all those involved.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the dedication and expertise of our partners and the warm reception from the Dubai community,” he said. 

“And on behalf of the LMA and all our partners, I’d also like to extend a special thanks to the boys and girls who participated and also their parents for allowing them to be part of this great initiative.”

In addition to the sports and leadership activities which took place during the week, the LMA team also held several meetings in Dubai with key individuals and organisations, including a visit to the Australian Consulate General. 

These discussions explored future collaborations and avenues for further strengthening Australian-Arab relations.

As the LMA looks ahead, they are eager to build on the momentum generated by this year’s program. 

“We’re already planning similar initiatives targeting disadvantaged youth in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon,” Mr Kamalmaz revealed. 

“Programs like these not only benefit the participants but also bring communities closer together by celebrating what unites us – a shared love for sports and a commitment to helping the next generation thrive.”

The success of the “Sporting Horizons” program highlights the potential for sports to serve as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy. 

With continued support from organisations like CAAR and dedicated community partners, the LMA is well-positioned to expand its impact both locally and internationally.