The Student Athletic and Recreation Department (SARD) of the Office of Student Affairs at American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its National Day Sports Festival on November 26. Sports tournaments were conducted in men's and women's three-on-three basketball and volleyball, and in men's cricket and soccer. As a tribute to the nation, AUS student-athletes flocked to the Sports Complex and outdoor fields to celebrate the 43rd UAE National Day and to participate in a series of sports tournaments and fitness challenges.

The soccer field was transformed into an elaborate fitness obstacle course where students had to complete a series of daunting tasks, such as the tire pull, the water jug carry, and a potato sack race that required participants to carry a 5kg medicine ball.

In an act of allegiance and pride to the UAE, the gathered students and staff paraded towards the Sports Complex waving and wearing the nation's flag in a sea of red, green, white and black. The parade was led by Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Dr. Mohamed Helal, Director of Student Athletics and Recreation.

During the sports festival award ceremony, Dr. Al Shehhi congratulated the AUS athletes who participated in and won medals for AUS in the EuroComillas Madrid 2014 Sports Tournament in Spain. "We dedicate these achievements to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, and to the people of UAE and also to the AUS management for making the EuroComillas participation possible," Dr. Al Shehhi said.