The Supreme Organising Committee (SOC) of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) has honoured more than 39 sponsors and strategic supporters who contributed to the success of its fourth edition, which saw 67 clubs from 16 Arab countries competing for the prestigious titles of the tournament.The ceremony, which took place yesterday (Wednesday) at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC), reinforces SOC’s keenness to recognise those who contributed significantly to the success of AWST and to continue cooperation with various government and private entities in the emirate.The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of AWST’s SOC, HE Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Deputy Head of SOC, Head of AWST’s Executive Committee and Director General of Sharjah Women Sports Foundation (SWSF).Also attending were a number of heads of Arab and local sports associations, members of the Arab and local sports councils and representatives of government and private entities in Sharjah.
Future recommendations
During the event, the SOC launched a set of recommendations that would contribute to improving and developing the fifth edition of AWST, which will take place in 2020. Among these is the need to find a mechanism to expand regional partnerships and increase the number of Arab countries and clubs participating in tournament, as well as to strengthen the relationship with local and regional media.Other suggestions included more attention to the tournament’s scientific, theoretical, technical and administrative aspects, as well as its objectives and results. To achieve that, it recommended holding a range of conferences and workshops as well as collaboration with sports experts, in order for the tournament to become a platform to raise awareness, culture and knowledge.The SOC also recommended raising the representation of women's institutions and sports bodies in Arab sports federations in proportion to women's achievements and efforts, in order to strengthen their presence in the Arab sports landscape.In his opening address, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi welcomed the guests and commended the great efforts made by all bodies to ensure the success of the major sporting event that enjoyed the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Sharjah Supreme Committee for Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Sharjah Women Sports Foundation.
Sheikh Khalid said: “Sharjah has established itself as an ideal destination for many cultural and sporting events throughout the year. By hosting this outstanding tournament, the emirate continues to add new milestones to its rich portfolio of achievements and reaffirms its supportive stand towards women in sporting, educational, health and professional spheres.”Sheikh Khalid stressed that these achievements and efforts reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, and perfectly align with the immense support and patronage of his wife, Sheikha Jawaher. He explained: “Sharjah will stop at nothing to carry on with its journey of women’s empowerment in sports – its achievement goes beyond organising a successful tournament. The emirate has excelled in achieving an integrated and effective working relationship with various public and private organisations and departments. This highlights the emirate’s leading position in organising and hosting major events and activities in compliance with the highest international standards.”HE Nada Al Askar added: “Sharjah supports all sports and athletics which have now become a significant factor in empowering many women and strengthening their role not only in sports, but in all aspects of life.”Askar highlighted: “Since its inception, AWST has become a role model for sports events in the local and Arab sporting world, where competitors give shining examples of athletic performance, fair play and healthy competition resulting in impressive achievements. The success of AWST would not have been possible without the efforts of all the partners and supporters who have provided the utmost support and been an inspiration in terms of team spirit, making the tournament a resounding success.”
Supporting companies
The AWST’s SOC honoured the Sharjah Sports Council, General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare, National Olympic Committee, Etisalat, Sharjah Media Corporation, Sharjah Sports TV, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah Police, and media sponsors, National Network Communications and Dar Al Khaleej Printing and Publishing.It also honoured Sharjah Environment Company (Bee'ah), Scala Company, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Zulal Water Company, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah International Airport, Holiday Inn Sharjah, Sharjah Transport Corporation, Air Arabia, Sharjah Ladies Club, Sharjah Municipality. Sharjah Sports Club, Al Thaid Cultural Sports Club, Al Thiqa Club for Handicapped, Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah, Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Sajay Young Ladies of Sharjah.The committee also honoured the UAE Basketball Association, Volleyball Association, Shooting Association, UAE Fencing Federation, Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, UAE Athletics Federation and UAE Karate Federation, in addition to Asma Primary School, and Al Shahba Primary School for Boys.