Sports | Thursday 9 May, 2019 6:33 pm |

 

The 11th edition of Ramadan Women’s Sports Tournament (RWST), that’s being organised by the Sharjah Women’s Sports (SWS), kicked off on (yesterday) Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

 

The sporting event is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of SWS.

 

The event witnessed a Ramadan session presented by Khawla Abdul Rahman Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council who thanked SWS for this special initiative during the Holy month. She highlighted how sports can be instrumental in developing an environment of tolerance and coexistence within the society.  

 

The session also focused on the importance of adopting sports and exercise as a daily activity, that helps to stay fit and lead a healthy life. In addition, she also pointed out how local and international sporting events enhance cultural exchange and called on female athletes of SWS to showcase their sporting talent to the world, while aiming to reach high levels at international tournaments.

 

She commenced her speech by quoting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who emphasized on deepening the values of tolerance and co-existence among cultures. Reiterating his ideas on solidifying the UAE as the global capital for tolerance, with 200 nationalities on its soil, she said, this cohabitation, is a clear indication of how people live in harmony, in this country.

 

HE Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Director General of SWS, said, “Over the past few years, the Ramadan Women’s Sports Tournament has established itself as a unique sporting event, bringing together sportswomen from different cultures to represent their countries, compete and show their sports prowess in Sharjah”.

 

She concluded by saying, “Since the debut edition of Ramadan Women’s Sports Tournament in 2009, SWS has been keen to provide a host of activities and sporting competitions aimed at fostering awareness about the importance of women's sports, particularly during Ramadan, giving female athletes an opportunity to showcase their skills and gain experience. This will further enable them to compete and win accolades for the UAE, at future global tournaments”.

 

The session was also attended by HE Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Secretary General of Sharjah Sports Council; Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary General of Sharjah Consultative Council; HE Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Director General of SWS, Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qassimi, Director of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah; and Konul Nurullayeva, a representative from the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation.

 

HE Issa Hilal Al Hazami, commented, “I take this opportunity to encourage and support our daughters in order to achieve their aspirations and goals. They are the ones who are the next generation and the future. Sports helps them to utlilise their time meaningfully, while empowering women”.

 

He further noted, the credible reputation of the UAE female athletes preceded during the recent visit to Egypt. Keeping in line with this tradition, he recommended the players to maintain this stature, while constantly striving to perform better.

 

For her part, Konul Nurullayeva, said: “I’m delighted to be here to support sportswomen and raise awareness about female sports in Islamic countries. We are looking forward to strengthening our cooperation with SWS, which will be manifested through new initiatives and joint events”.

 

340 female athletes from 25 team will be participating in different games during the event. Volleyball competitions that begin on May 9, will be held until May 12, while basketball competitions will take place on May 13 and 14. Shooting contests will be held between May 9 -11, while archery competitions will take place on May 9 and 10.

 

Established in November 2016, under an Emiri Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, SWS aims to empower national women athletes and develop human capital in the field of women's sports. It also seeks to create a talented generation of women leaders in sports, encourage women's participation in different sports, foster a culture of sports and provide a stimulating environment that contributes to advancing women's sports.