Sharjah 24: The Higher Steering Committee for the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) celebrated the success of the 7th edition, the achievements of sportswomen, and the efforts of partners and sponsors on Thursday at the House of Wisdom.

Present at the event were Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Higher Steering Committee for AWST,  Issa Hilal Al Hizami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of Sharjah Women Sports, and Noora Ali Al Shamsi, Director of AWST, along with partners and supporters.

The ceremony included keynote speeches praising the outcomes of the 7th edition and its role in supporting and developing the Arab women's sports sector. It emphasised its importance in supporting the development journey, empowering women, and showcasing inspiring role models through their stories and journeys in facing challenges and achieving successes. The event also honoured partners who played a key role in the tournament's success.

Outcomes of Strategic Insight and Persistent Effort
During his speech, Sheikh Khalid congratulated the teams and players on their victories and outstanding performances, affirming that the achievements and progress made by Sharjah in hosting distinguished Arab events translates the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Women's Sports, to create a nurturing environment for female athletes.

The Chairman added: "The success of the 7th edition, in terms of competitions, organisation, efforts, and media impact, is attributed to a large team of organisers. We extend our gratitude for their dedication, and behind them, a group of supporters, media, and partners who believe in AWST’s mission and its significant impact on the present and future of women's sports in our country."

Women's Sports: A Main Social Pillar
For her part, HE Hanan Al Mahmoud expressed her gratitude to the Supreme Organising Committee and everyone who contributed to the success of the 7th edition.

She said, "In this edition, we saw the potential of female athletes, capable of challenging and excelling in various sports, and we shined light on Sharjah as an environment that embraces Arab talents and a destination that welcomes its guests with warmth and hospitality. Although Sharjah is known for its rich heritage and culture, it strives for development in all areas, particularly in women's sports, because we believe it’s the cornerstone of societal development. These efforts enhance female athletes and encourage them to participate and compete.”

Our Courts. Her Story 
During her speech, Noura Ali Al Shamsi presented the latest statistics regarding the seventh edition, particularly concerning the female representation in the organizing committees, which reached 69% of the total workforce. Al Shamsi stated, "The overall satisfaction rate for the tournament reached 93%, indicating a significant improvement compared to previous years. Additionally, satisfaction with the facilities and sports venues reached 93%, reflecting their quality and compliance with international standards. Moreover, we did not record any incidents during this edition, first and foremost, thanks to God, and also thanks to the safety measures implemented."

She also highlighted a series of inspiring stories of players, embodying the motto of the seventh edition, "Our Courts. Her Story." She pointed out the players' journeys towards the championship and emphasised that each player represents a model for millions of girls and women in our Arab societies.

She said: "During the championship, we learned a lot from our participants’ inspiring stories. These included stories of perseverance, dedication, and overcoming challenges. From asserting that motherhood does not hinder champions to embodying the idea of 'a healthy mind in a healthy body,' these narratives showcase the multifaceted impact of sports on individuals' lives. Whether it's breaking stereotypes, passing down athletic prowess through generations, or discovering one's potential through unexpected paths, each story carries a message, a lesson, and a legacy for future generations.”

The ceremony also honoured partners and more than 30 sponsors of AWST 2024, including the League of Arab States, the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, Sharjah Sports Council, Tasweeq, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Arada, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Bee'ah Group, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and many others.