The ISF awarded the 2024 Gymnasiade to Bahrain following its General Assembly ©ISF

The International School Sport Federation (ISF) has awarded the 2024 Gymnasiade to Bahrain following an official signing, coinciding with the 2022 ISF General Assembly.

Represented by Sheikh Saqer Al Khalifa, Bahrain presented a project showing their plans to hold the event, with a proposed date of October 2024.

The Bahrain Schools and Collegiate Athletics Association is to organise the event, having already competed previously at the 2022 Gymnasiade in Normandy with 24 athletes in five schools.

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Gymnasiade is set to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, best known for hosting the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix.

"It is fantastic to see the high-level of engagement from Bahrain, who will continue the rapid development of the ISF Gymnasiade with Bahrain 2024," said ISF President Laurent Petrynka.

"We have every confidence that the organisation of this next step in the ISF Gymnasiade journey will be held in the best conditions possible, bringing the international school sport community together for a special occasion."

The Opening and Closing Ceremonies are scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, which hosts the annual Formula One race ©Getty Images
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies are scheduled to take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, which hosts the annual Formula One race ©Getty Images

As part of the event, a cultural programme has been proposed that will see young people visit locations around the island nation.

Its educational programme is to cover topics such as general health, diet and nutrition as well as healthy lifestyle and good practices.

Bahrain is also promising a sustainability focus, making physical activity key as a legacy point.