Empowerment Through Sports: The Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation
A Vision for Empowerment
The Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation operates with a clear vision articulated by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. Hanan Al Mahmoud, the foundation’s Vice Chairperson, underscores the aim of empowering women across various sports disciplines, striving for both local and international leadership.
A Nurturing Environment for Athletes
According to Al Mahmoud, recent years have showcased the foundation’s commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere for talented athletes. This evolution is facilitated by comprehensive development strategies and the involvement of qualified coaches. Metha Ben Dawi, a member of the UAE Basketball Federation, expressed pride in the foundation’s instrumental role in advancing Emirati female athletes.
Enhancing Women’s Sports
Kholoud Al Junaibi, Secretary-General of the UAE Sports for All Federation, highlighted the foundation’s contributions to women’s sports, noting its significant value as a resource for national teams. Clear strategies and consistent achievements in competitions have positioned the foundation as a leader in this field.
Commitment to Growth and Independence
Continuing its mission, the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation is actively promoting the participation of women in sports at both local and international levels. The foundation is known for its financial and administrative independence, which supports various clubs like the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club and Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club, dedicated to enhancing women’s sports.
Variety of Sports Programs
The clubs under the foundation offer an extensive range of sports, including:
- Table Tennis
- Volleyball
- Shooting
- Basketball
- Fencing
- Archery
- Athletics
This assortment reflects the foundation’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility in sports activities.
A Historical Overview
Initially established in 1982 as the “Park Club for Girls,” the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club underwent significant restructuring in 2018. This transformation established it as a prominent specialized women’s club, culminating in the opening of a new headquarters in 2020, designed to improve training facilities.
Increasing Participation and Success
The foundation experienced a notable surge in participation during the last sports season, with 522 new female athletes joining its programs. Achievements for these athletes include securing three medals at the Arab Taekwondo Championship, alongside numerous accolades in judo and karate.
Collaborative Initiatives
To further enhance its impact, the foundation has engaged in collaborative agreements with various organizations, most notably with the University of Sharjah. This partnership aims to advance scientific research in sports. Additionally, a collaboration with the UAE Sports Medicine Association has been established to support female athletes and enhance healthcare through specialized training and research.
Advancing Sports Media Education
In a significant step towards education, the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation recently celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort in a Sports Media Diploma focused on “Sports Analysis.” This six-week program involving 70 training hours was designed to equip a new generation of sports analysts with essential skills for delivering professional and comprehensive content in the evolving sports media landscape.
