Sharing ASU Bahrain’s Sports Facilities with the Community

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement through sports. The university not only provides modern on-campus sports facilities for its students and staff, but also actively opens these facilities to the local community – including local schools, other universities, and the general public – in support of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. ASU hosts and participates in numerous sports events that encourage public involvement, ranging from free community sports days on campus to collaborative off-campus events. This report evaluates how ASU shares its sports infrastructure with the wider community, providing examples of both free and charged access (noting that currently most access is offered free of charge), detailing public events with community participation, and highlighting the university’s contributions to health and well-being through sports initiatives. All information is drawn from ASU’s official communications and publications, ensuring verifiable and up-to-date evidence.

ASU Sports Facilities and Community Access Policy

ASU Bahrain’s campus features comprehensive sports facilities that serve both the university and the broader community. The new campus, established in 2013, includes outdoor basketball and football courts, as well as indoor and multi-use sports areas. According to the university’s student handbook and official FAQ, the campus boasts several courts (tennis, handball, volleyball, basketball, badminton) and an indoor games area equipped with billiards, table tennis, foosball, and console gaming stations [1]. These state-of-the-art facilities create opportunities for regular physical activity, which the university recognizes as vital for reducing risks of chronic diseases and improving mental health – a direct contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Access for the community: ASU has explicitly stated that its sports amenities are open for community use, generally free of charge. In recent years, ASU has offered the general public free access to sports facilities at its new campus and organized multiple community events on-site. The policy extends to local schools, other universities, and the public, all of whom are welcome to use ASU’s sports facilities to promote wellness and community engagement. This free-access approach aligns with ASU’s sustainability and health goals – “ASU wants to contribute to … ‘Good Health & Wellbeing’. In this sense, it gives the community, schools, other universities and the general public free access to its sports facilities.”.

While most community access has been free, ASU is also open to structured collaborations that could involve formal arrangements or fees when appropriate. For example, ASU partnered with the local Ma’ameer Cultural & Sports Club to supplement its facilities, indicating a willingness to share resources and potentially host external groups. To date, no specific instances of charged (fee-based) public access have been publicized – the emphasis has been on free community use to maximize participation. Should external organizations require dedicated use of ASU’s sports venues for large events, it is understood that such arrangements would be coordinated through the University’s administration (with terms agreed case by case), though no such paid rentals are evident in public sources. Overall, ASU’s practice thus far has been to remove cost barriers, thereby encouraging widespread community involvement in sports and fitness activities.

On-Campus Sports Events with Community Participation

ASU has hosted a variety of sports events on its campus that actively involve people beyond the universities own students and staff. These events are typically offered free of charge to participants and spectators, exemplifying ASU’s inclusive approach. Key examples include:

-ASU Campus Sports Day (13 February 2018)

ASU organized a comprehensive Sports Day event on campus from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM to coincide with Bahrain’s national sports celebrations. The event featured a range of activities – a walkathon, volleyball and basketball games, table tennis, foosball (“baby foot”), chess, and more – utilizing the university’s facilities. Importantly, “staff, students, and local community participated” in the campus Sports Day. The University’s President, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, emphasized the importance of sports for daily life and quoted the proverb “Healthy mind is in a healthy body” during the event. Winners of the sports competitions were honored afterwards. This open-campus Sports Day enabled members of the public to join students and staff in physical activities, breaking the daily routine and fostering a sense of community on campus.

-Free Community Volleyball Event (2018)

ASU hosted a recreational volleyball event at its new campus facilities, inviting members of the local community to play. The event was explicitly advertised as free of charge for the local community, taking place on ASU’s volleyball courts. Local residents of all ages were welcomed to participate or watch. This not only promoted fitness but also allowed the public to familiarize themselves with ASU’s new sports amenities in a friendly, informal setting. By offering a free volleyball event, ASU strengthened its community ties and demonstrated a sharing of campus resources for recreational use.

-“Run for Autism” Charity Event (11 November 2018)

In collaboration with the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral and Communication Difficulties, ASU co-organized the “Run for Autism” on campus to support people with autism. The event was open to anyone from the public who registered in advance, and “entrance was free” to all facilities for participants. Families and individuals from the community joined ASU students and staff in this run, which aimed to raise awareness and promote inclusion. By hosting the charity run on its grounds (free of cost), ASU provided a venue for a health-focused community initiative, underlining the university’s social responsibility and support for well-being causes.

-World Children’s Day Celebration (20 November 2017)

ASU celebrated World Children’s Day by inviting children and families onto campus for sports and recreational activities. This event catered to the children of ASU students and staff as well as external guests from the local community, creating a fun and active environment for kids. All activities for the children were provided free of charge. By opening its recreational facilities to neighborhood families, ASU helped strengthen community bonds and provided a safe space for children to engage in play and physical activity on this international day of children’s welfare.

-University Family Day (12 March 2018)

ASU organized a Family Day on campus, inviting the families of students and staff – including parents, siblings, and relatives – to spend a day at the university. The Family Day included social and sports activities that allowed families to use campus recreational areas and sports facilities. Although primarily meant for the extended “ASU family,” this event brought many first-time visitors (the relatives) to the campus, effectively extending ASU’s community outreach. Guests could tour the facilities and participate in friendly games, experiencing the campus atmosphere. This event again was offered at no cost to attendees, underscoring ASU’s hospitable approach to community inclusion.

-Intercollegiate Table Tennis Tournament (13 May 2017)

ASU’s Sports Club and Student Affairs office hosted a table tennis (“ping-pong”) tournament on campus and extended invitations to teams from other Bahraini colleges and universities. The competition took place in ASU’s indoor games area, allowing external university players to compete using ASU’s tables and equipment. Beyond the competition itself, ASU organizers provided a guided tour of the campus sports facilities to the visiting participants, showcasing the university’s infrastructure. This event was free for all invited teams and spectators, and it fostered inter-university camaraderie while opening ASU’s doors to the wider academic community.

-Inter-University Sports Tournaments (2016–2017)

ASU has a history of hosting friendly matches and tournaments on campus involving teams from other institutions, with free public access:

• On 16 February 2016 (Bahrain’s National Sports Day), ASU organized a basketball tournament that featured teams from various Bahraini universities as well as a team of ASU faculty/staff. The games were held on ASU’s court, and “for the participants and [the] general public this event was free of charge”. Students and local basketball enthusiasts could watch or play without any fee, celebrating national Sports Day in a community-inclusive manner.
• On 5 April 2017, ASU hosted an inter-university football tournament with teams from several universities competing. This tournament, patronized by ASU’s leadership, was open to the general public at no cost – “access was free of charge to the general public and [the] community [could] enjoy the match”. Matches were likely conducted on ASU’s outdoor football field (or a rented venue under ASU’s organization), drawing student athletes from across Bahrain and allowing local football fans to attend freely. Such events provided a platform for healthy competition and community entertainment, actively using ASU’s resources to benefit society.

Through these on-campus initiatives, ASU has demonstrated a clear pattern of sharing its sports facilities and events with the community. The university consistently waives any fees for community participants, emphasizing inclusivity. Participants have ranged from university alumni and students of other institutions to local families, youth, and sports enthusiasts. By hosting these events, ASU not only maximizes utilization of its sports infrastructure beyond regular student use, but also reinforces social cohesion and well-being in the local community. The open-access events also help inspire young people (such as school students or children visitors) to engage in sports, supporting broader public health objectives.

Off-Campus and Collaborative Sports Events

In addition to events held on its own campus, ASU Bahrain actively engages in off-campus sports activities and partnerships that involve the community. These are typically events or programs where ASU either co-hosts, sponsors, or sends volunteers/teams, thereby extending its impact on public well-being beyond the campus boundaries. Notable examples include:

-National Sports Day Marathon & Activities (February 2022)

As part of the Kingdom’s annual Bahrain Sports Day celebrations, ASU participated by organizing a series of sports activities for its community both on and off campus. On 2 February 2022, under the patronage of ASU President Dr. Ammar Kaka, the university held a 2 km marathon around the ASU campus to kick off the day. Participants included senior management, faculty, administrative staff, students and alumni, reflecting a broad community of interest. Following the campus run, a variety of games and fitness challenges were offered (e.g. balance games, rope jumping, tug-of-war, archery, and even an e-sports FIFA tournament) to engage different age groups and interests. Winners were recognized with prizes, adding excitement and incentive. This event illustrates ASU’s comprehensive approach to public wellness – combining traditional physical exercise (marathon, sports games) with recreational competitions – and involving not just current students but graduates and staff families as well, effectively blurring the line between “university members” and the general public for the day.

-Volunteer Club at Bahrain International Circuit (Sports Day 2022)

ASU’s contribution to Bahrain’s Sports Day extended to the national celebration venue at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The ASU Volunteer Club, together with the Student Council, took on the responsibility of organizing the Bahrain Olympic Committee’s Sports Day events at BIC for two days (Feb 2–4, 2022). The Olympic Committee entrusted ASU students with managing the entire event – an acknowledgement of their capability and community spirit. Led by student volunteers (including Saud Al-Dosari and Naif Abduhalla), the team arranged and supervised sports activities for the public at BIC. The Olympic Committee officially thanked ASU and awarded certificates of appreciation to the student organizers for their outstanding work. This example shows ASU “sharing” its human resources and expertise in service of a national community sports event. While not a physical facility sharing, it is a form of community engagement through sports that aligns with ASU’s mission – the university’s support enabled a successful large-scale public sports day that benefited thousands of citizens.

-“Run for Autism” at External Venues

Aside from the on-campus autism run in 2018 mentioned earlier, ASU has continued to support autism awareness athletic events held in Bahrain. In some cases, ASU promotes and encourages its community to participate in runs or walks organized by charities at external locations. For instance, ASU was involved in publicizing and attending the annual “Run for Autism” charity race, which in later years (e.g. 2023 and 2025 editions) took place at venues like Exhibition World Bahrain [2]. ASU’s consistent involvement – whether by co-organizing the 2018 on-campus run or by sending participants/volunteers to city-wide runs – underscores the university’s outreach ethos. These runs are open to the general public (typically with free registration or a nominal charity donation) and aim to foster community solidarity around health causes. ASU’s participation therefore extends its impact on well-being beyond its campus, into the heart of the community.

-Inter-University Competitions and Leagues

ASU frequently competes in national inter-university sports leagues and tournaments, which often take place in public sports facilities or other campuses, attracting community audiences. A prominent example is the Bahrain Universities Football League: in the fifth edition of this nationwide tournament, ASU’s team reached the final (held at Khalifa Sports City Stadium) and won the championship. The final match, patronized by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was a public event with spectators and media coverage. ASU’s victory and sportsmanship were celebrated by the university leadership and even national sports officials. By participating in such high-profile events, ASU effectively shares the sporting stage with the broader community – students gain experience in national venues, and local sports fans see ASU in action. Likewise, ASU takes part in inter-collegiate tournaments for sports like table tennis and basketball, often hosted by other universities or sports federations. For example, ASU competed in the Third Bahraini Universities Table Tennis Championship 2019 (hosted by Gulf University under the Bahrain Table Tennis Association) and clinched the gold medal through student Rashed Sanad’s performance. Such external engagements do not involve ASU’s physical facilities but represent the university’s contribution to the national sports community, with students acting as ambassadors of health, talent, and youth engagement on a larger stage.

-Collaborations with Sports Federations

ASU’s commitment to community sports is also evident in formal partnerships. In 2021, ASU signed a collaboration agreement with the Bahrain Basketball Federation (BBF) as part of the national “Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa” Scholarship Programme for athletes. This programme, aligned with the national “Response” initiative for youth and sports by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, enables national team players and club athletes under BBF to pursue their education at ASU. The collaboration creates “a successful community partnership by sharing aspirations, coordinating efforts related to sports, and conducting sports events with a vision.” According to ASU’s President, Prof. Ghassan Aouad, this partnership reinforces ASU’s role in serving Bahraini society and supporting sports development in the country. Practically, it means ASU may provide its facilities or resources for BBF events (such as hosting youth basketball clinics or tournaments on campus), and in return, BBF promotes educational opportunities for athletes. This synergy illustrates another dimension of sharing: ASU’s infrastructure and expertise complement the needs of the sports community at large. Although specific events under this MoU are not detailed, the intent is clear that ASU will be an active venue and supporter for national sports programmes and public sports events through this partnership.

Through these off-campus engagements and collaborations, ASU extends its impact beyond the university perimeter. Whether by physically hosting community sports competitions or by contributing volunteers, teams, and scholarships, ASU plays an instrumental role in Bahrain’s sports landscape. These activities enhance public access to sports (either directly, by ASU hosting an event, or indirectly, by ASU supporting events elsewhere) and underscore the university’s philosophy that sports are a bridge between the campus and the community. Importantly, even when events are off-site, ASU often ensures no financial barriers for participants – for example, free registration for charity runs or free entry for spectators at university league matches – thereby maintaining the inclusive spirit of its on-campus policy.

Promoting Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) through Sports

ASU Bahrain’s sharing of sports facilities and its organization of community events directly contribute to promoting health and well-being in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By providing broad access to sports, ASU helps instill healthy habits and an active lifestyle among students, staff, and the public. The university has explicitly linked its sports initiatives to health outcomes: offering regular opportunities for exercise can “reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease,” as noted in ASU’s reports. Encouraging physical activity on campus and beyond supports mental health as well, by reducing stress and building social connections through team sports and group events.

Several aspects of ASU’s approach highlight its impact on health and well-being:

-Free Access Lowers Barriers

By allowing community members to use gyms, courts, and fields without charge, ASU removes cost barriers that might prevent people from engaging in exercise. Local youth and school teams can practice or play at ASU’s facilities, gaining access to quality sports venues they might otherwise lack. This inclusive approach means more people get active, directly supporting healthier lifestyles in the community. It also fosters a culture of openness where community members feel welcome on campus, potentially accessing other health-related resources (like health check-ups at campus events or nutrition advice from ASU’s experts during community days).

-Health-Focused Events

Many of the events ASU hosts carry health themes or objectives. The annual Sports Days (both on campus and national) are fundamentally about mass participation in physical activity – e.g., the 2 km fun run, sports challenges, etc., which get a broad audience moving and having fun. The “Run for Autism” is a health awareness event linking physical activity with advocacy for developmental health issues. Furthermore, ASU has organized events like “ASU Health Day” on campus (for example, a health day was held on 4 December 2018) where sports and wellness activities combined with free medical screenings [3]. Such initiatives emphasize preventative health care and well-being education, in alignment with SDG 3’s targets of improving health awareness and outcomes.

-Campus Infrastructure Supporting Wellness

ASU’s investment in sports infrastructure is part of a holistic healthy campus environment. The presence of diverse sports facilities (from courts to fitness rooms) and the promotion of their use by all age groups help integrate exercise into daily life. ASU’s campus is designed to be a hub not only for academic learning but also for physical wellness – for instance, the outdoor walking/jogging opportunities during Sports Day and the indoor recreational spaces for students to unwind with games [1]. By integrating wellness into the campus culture and sharing that with visitors (through events and tours), ASU contributes to a wider societal understanding that regular exercise is key to good health.

-Community Education and Volunteerism

ASU leverages its students and staff to spread health and fitness beyond the campus. The Volunteer Club’s involvement in national sports events is one example where students become health ambassadors, encouraging others to participate and facilitating community sports programs. Additionally, partnerships like the one with the Basketball Federation mean that student-athletes receive support (scholarships up to 50% are offered to talented athletes), motivating youth to balance sports and education. When these athletes engage in community sports or coach younger players, the benefits multiply. ASU’s support for student-athletes and staff participation in sports (e.g., staff joining basketball games in 2016 or faculty playing table tennis in 2019 tournaments) also highlights a commitment to workplace well-being and lifelong fitness, reinforcing SDG 3 principles internally and externally.

In summary, ASU Bahrain’s outreach through sports is a concrete manifestation of its dedication to health promotion. By sharing facilities, organizing inclusive events, and collaborating on national sports initiatives, the university creates opportunities for physical activity and wellness education that impact not only its immediate academic community but also the general public. This strategy aligns with global health objectives, positioning ASU as a contributor to public health improvement in Bahrain. The approach is comprehensive – addressing physical health (through sports and exercise), mental health (through social interaction and stress relief in recreational events), and social health (through community bonding and inclusion).

Conclusion

Applied Science University Bahrain clearly demonstrates that it shares its sports facilities and sports culture with the local community. The evidence spans multiple years and formats: free community access to on-campus sports infrastructure, open-invitation sports days and tournaments, collaborative events with schools, universities, and charities, and formal partnerships with sports organizations. ASU’s sports halls, courts, and fields have been the stage for community tournaments and health events, welcoming everyone from neighborhood children to national athletes. In all cases, ASU either offers free participation or, at most, coordinates structured access without profit motive – underscoring that community well-being is the priority. By embedding its sports outreach in the framework of SDG 3, ASU highlights the role of universities in advancing public health goals. The university’s actions – such as hosting large community sports days, providing facilities for inter-school competitions, involving volunteers in national sports festivals, and educating through sport – collectively show that ASU Bahrain is not an insular campus but rather a community hub for sports and healthy living. This commitment to sharing resources and expertise with the public is a strong indicator of ASU’s positive social impact, fitting for recognition in international assessments like the THE Impact Rankings. The examples and initiatives detailed in this report serve as verifiable proof of how ASU bridges the town-and-gown divide, leveraging sports as a means to engage, uplift, and improve the well-being of the society it serves.

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