Muscat – The nationwide ‘Shwayyat Riyadah’ (A Little Bit of Sport) initiative, Oman’s unified Sports Day for schools, began on Monday across government, private and international schools in all governorates. The event was organised by the Ministry of Education through the Oman School Sports Association.

More than 2,500 schools took part in this year’s edition, benefiting over thousands of students, along with teachers, administrators, parents and education-sector staff.

The initiative aims to promote awareness of the importance of regular physical activity and underline the role of sport in students’ daily lives. It seeks to support students’ physical, psychological and behavioural well-being, nurture young talent, and provide an encouraging environment for physical activity both inside and outside the classroom.

The Sports Day also aims to strengthen fitness levels across age groups, promote healthy habits and make exercise part of students’ daily routines. It further seeks to bring an element of fun to the school day, reduce academic monotony, strengthen ties between students, teachers and parents, and reinforce values of citizenship and social responsibility. The initiative also highlights the risks of excessive electronic gaming and encourages more active lifestyles.

Schools organised a range of group and individual activities to help improve fitness and create a more energetic environment. These programmes were designed to instil healthy habits, encourage movement and support students in integrating physical activity into their everyday lives.

The Ministry of Education said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to strengthening school health and promoting a culture of physical activity. It noted that schools offered age-appropriate activities that matched students’ physical capabilities.

Activities included light jogging, team games, movement drills, balance and flexibility challenges, and recreational events aimed at fostering a positive atmosphere, improving students’ mood and breaking the daily routine.

The ministry affirmed its ongoing support for programmes that enhance student well-being, develop sporting talent and help embed positive values within the school community.