Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah made a surprise appearance this week at Cognita Middle East’s inaugural PE and Sport Conference, delivering an unforgettable moment for more than 70 physical education teachers from eight schools across the UAE.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist and six-time world champion captivated the audience with personal stories from his journey to the top of global athletics. More importantly, he reminded educators just how crucial their roles are in shaping future champions, not just on the track, but in life.

“I’m passionate about getting children and young people active. I want them to learn and see the benefits of exercise in terms of both their physical and mental health” said Sir Mo Farah. “It was my own PE teacher who played a crucial role in my life and so I want to inspire the staff and show them that they can make a difference.”

Held at the Cognita Middle East offices, the conference marked a significant milestone for the global education group’s regional arm. Bringing together PE professionals from across its UAE schools including Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Repton Family of Schools, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School and Al Ain English Speaking School, to share best practices, research, and strategies aimed at empowering students through sport.

With a packed agenda of expert-led workshops and collaborative sessions, the event explored modern trends in youth athletic development, long-term athlete pathways, and the role of sport in building confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Educators also examined how physical education aligns with the UAE’s broader vision for elite sport and student wellbeing.

David Baldwin, CEO, Cognita Middle East shared his enthusiasm for the event: “We’re incredibly proud to host our first-ever Cognita Middle East PE and Sport Conference. Bringing together our exceptional PE teams from across the UAE ensures a unified, forward-thinking approach to student development through sport. With the inspiring presence of Sir Mo Farah, this event has set a new standard for collaboration and excellence in physical education.”

Cognita Middle East’s PE and Sport Conference is part of the group’s wider commitment to delivering a world-class sports education programme that champions student progress, health and achievement, both on and off the field.