Jawaher Al Qasimi calls for all women to support athletes taking part in AWST 2016

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has invited the media, residents and people of the UAE to actively support participants in the third Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) by attending the games and helping players develop confidence and determination through their presence. The tournament takes place between February 2-12 in Sharjah under the slogan, “Your World, Your Court, Together Victorious”.

Her Highness has asked people and residents of the UAE to show their support and encourage women in sports by watching the 55 clubs from 17 Arab countries compete in eight different games which includes volleyball, basketball, athletics, fencing, archery, shooting, table tennis, and show jumping. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi called on the diverse community of residents in the UAE from all over the world to also attend the games. 

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher said, “The UAE has always supported women, both at the governmental and social levels and today it has become a global model for the promotion of women. Since exercise, sports and vitality are an important part of our lives, it was necessary to create a platform for women's sports that embraces young women from all over the Arab world and encourages them to accept challenges, win, learn, communicate, and benefit from the experiences and skills of others. It is our responsibility as a community to encourage women to achieve their dreams and ambitions for their future. We must support them not only through words but through action as well and that’s why they need to see your support during AWST – Sharjah 2016. Women supporters are especially welcomed to attend the event as spectators, we hope to see the stands filled with women and young women.”

Her Highness added, “This year’s slogan carries meaning and symbols of encouragement. It also instills a spirit of freedom, confidence and enthusiasm in all the players from all over the Arab region who are playing sports for more than just a hobby. Arab countries have a tremendous amount of talent that needs to be nurtured. Arab women have already reached an advanced level in the world of sports, as can be seen through their participation in the international tournaments and the results they have achieved in world championships and Olympic Games.”

Her Highness expressed confidence that the tournament will turn out to be a great success, saying that the games will allow fair and equal competition to grow between female Arab athletes and hopefully take Arab women athletes to international competition level. Local and Arab media should do everything possible to promote women’s sports in society, Her Highness stated, and encouraged young Arab women to not only practice sports, but also to take it to a professional level. Her Highness praised the work of the Women Sports Department and Sharjah Ladies Club for their contributions in making AWST a success.