Her Highness Sheikha Jawaherbint 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 SheikhaJawaher Al Qasimi called on the diverse community of residents in the UAE from all over the world to also attend the games.
Her Highness SheikhaJawaher 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 encouragedyoung Arab women to not only practice sports, but also to take it to a professional level.Her Highness praised the work of theWomen Sports Department and Sharjah Ladies Club for their contributions in making AWST a success.
Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST):
AWST is hosted by Sharjah every two years under the patronage of Her Highness SheikhaJawaherbint Mohammed Al Qasimi. Following the success of Gulf Countries Competition (GCC), a sports competition organised by the Sharjah Ladies Club, Her Highness SheikhaJawaher Al Qasimi established the Women Sports Department in 2008 and opened the GCC to all Arab countries in order to raise the profile of women's sports in the region. The tournament was first launched in 2012.
AWST – Sharjah 2016 Sponsors:
The Arab Women's Sports Tournament enjoys the support of several leading organizations in the UAE, including the Platinum Sponsor, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), the Golden Sponsor, International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), and four Bronze Sponsors: Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority; Golf and Shooting Club Sharjah; Sharjah International Airport and Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre. Sharjah Media Corporation is the tournament’s strategic media sponsor, the media sponsors are National Network Communications and Dar Al Khaleej Printing & Publishing. Presenting Media Sponsor is Sharjah Media. Fast Building Contracting Company is the strategic sponsor of SLC’s sports teams, Air Arabia is the official airline, Sharjah Sports TV is the official television channel and the official contractor for hospitality services, Kunooz Events & Catering with the supporting sponsor, Zalal.