Sohar, Oman: Sohar Aluminium (SA) recently hosted the ‘Annual Sports Day’ for Al Batinah International School (ABIS) at its football ground. Although it may seem unusual for a school sports day to take place at an aluminium plant; the event has been held there for several years due to the excellent sports facilities, as well as the company's commitment to health and safety.

 “The purpose of the sports day was not only to breed the spirit of competition but also to encourage sportsmanship. It was rewarding to see the students cheering their classmates and engaging in competition to secure the best team award. Part of the ethos of the school is for students to reach their 'full potential' and to be ‘challenged’ and ‘'involved’ in a supportive environment as the school believes that this gives them a solid platform for success in their lives.” commented Neil Tomalin, Head of ABIS.

The audience which comprised of students and their parents were kept at their feet with entertaining races from Kindergarten to Grade 11 students. The youngest children (aged 3 years and above) were cheered on as they sprinted, or rather ‘zigzagged’, towards the finish line with many of them being involved in their first ever race. More serious competition was present in the events involving the older Primary and Secondary students who gave one hundred per cent to their performance.

“It turned out to be more of a winter event than originally planned when the weather turned very cold and windy at midday with the chance of rain. Some parents began to wonder if they were in Sohar or Sochi witnessing the Winter Olympics!” Neil further added.

Al Batinah International School (ABIS) was set up in 2008 by Sohar Aluminium to meet the growing demand for a quality international education primarily for expatriate students in the Al Batinah Region of Oman.

The school is authorised by the Omani Ministry of Education, the International Baccalaureate Organisation for the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) and is accredited by Cambridge University to offer the IGCSE programme and examinations. ABIS is also a member of the Council of International Schools.

Sohar Aluminium was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman. Jointly owned by Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto Alcan, Sohar Aluminium has won global acclaim for its superior, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient technology.