Stephanie Rice’s engagement as ambassador and Head of Program Development propels MSA’s swim education to unprecedented levels, blending international performance insight with proven local pedagogies. Her role extends beyond ambassadorial duties, directly shaping curriculum, mentoring coaches, and driving elite swim squads at venues spanning Dubai British School (Barsha & Mira), Jumeirah Baccalaureate School (Al Wasl), The English College (Umm Suqeim & Mira), and Brighton College (Al Barsha South).
Dimitrije Didic, MSA’s Head Coach, describes Rice’s involvement as “a game-changer,” citing her ability to inspire, elevate, and redefine competitive and grassroots swimming within Dubai’s fast-modernizing sports landscape.
Central to this collaboration is an innovative sponsorship arrangement, positioning Stephanie Rice and MSA as catalysts for brand transformation in UAE sports. The partnership is designed for long-term brand positioning, leveraging Rice’s personal brand and the Academy’s regional reputation to attract stakeholders across the wellness, leisure, education, and hospitality sectors.
Sponsors gain unique access to custom event activations, branded swim clinics, exclusive athlete meet-and-greet sessions, and high-visibility digital campaigns centered on water safety and performance excellence. The sponsorship also encompasses media partnerships, talent representation, and influencer-driven community engagement—all amplified by Dubai’s thriving digital and social environments.
The launch of My Swim Club with Rice at the helm sits against a backdrop of surging demand for swimming culture in Dubai: 24/7 night-swimming beaches, upscale residential and hotel pools, citywide wellness initiatives, growing disposable incomes, and a government-backed push to make water safety a core civic value.
Rice’s vision is clear—high-quality swim education for all. “I’m thrilled to support MSA’s program here in Dubai... I hope your children benefit from the same high-quality swim education, whether they dream of becoming Olympic champions or simply want to enjoy the city’s wonderful beaches and pools with peace of mind,” she says, grounding her international experience in local context.
Drowning remains the World Health Organization’s cited leading cause of accidental death worldwide, including within the UAE. This sobering reality drives MSA and Rice’s campaign for broad-based water safety, ensuring swim programs include not only performance pathways but also lifesaving instruction, basic aquatic literacy, and parent engagement.
MSA’s bespoke programs cater to every stage of a swimmer’s journey, from first strokes to competitive racing. With Rice’s direct involvement in coach mentoring and curriculum design, swimming education now intertwines character building, skill development, and holistic wellness.
MSA’s 2024/25 victory at Dubai Open stands as testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation. The introduction of My Swim Club, backed by Rice’s championship pedigree, marks an exciting chapter—one poised to set new records in participation, inclusivity, and event-driven activation.
Here, the sponsorship is not simply financial; it’s tied to real outcomes. Branded clinics, school programs, public swim initiatives, and digital wellness campaigns create tangible links between sponsor brands, athlete talent, and community aspirations.
In Dubai’s dynamic landscape, the Rice–MSA partnership demonstrates how modern talent representation and sponsorship are evolving. Rather than passive logo placement, brand marketing in Dubai now means integrating influencers, events, and athlete-driven platforms to shape public perceptions, drive enrollment, and foster lasting community bonds.
Sponsors see measurable returns—from direct audience engagement and CSR impact to prominent visibility at flagship venues, national competitions, and online channels. The partnership offers a model for other sports sectors across the Middle East to elevate local brands through elite talent alliances.
Dubai continues to benefit from real estate growth, luxury living, and a strategic push toward sports-led community development. MSA and Stephanie Rice’s partnership, with its integrated approach to sponsorship, talent representation, and brand positioning, aligns perfectly with this vision.
Looking ahead, expansion plans include future satellite swim clubs, advanced coaching certifications, wellness retreats, talent scouting, scholarship programs, and enhanced digital platforms for parent-student communication.
The alliance between Stephanie Rice and My Sports Academy marks a seminal moment for Dubai and the wider region. Uniting Olympic pedigree with deep local expertise and Dubai’s global ambitions, it embodies the future of sports partnerships, prioritizing impact, values, and social change.
As Dubai emerges as a regional epicenter for influencer marketing and talent representation, this swim program demonstrates how thoughtful sponsorships and brand activations can effect real cultural and sporting change. The ripple effects will be felt far beyond the pools and podiums.
Sources: Khaleej Times, UAE News 24/7, Al Madar Magazine, The Finance 360, Instagram (gulfbusiness, Stephanie Rice personal), Dubai Blog, uaenews4u.com, My Sports Academy official, LinkedIn, World Health Organization, Dimitrije Didic (MSA Head Coach), My Sports Academy (MSC)
