Sharjah24: Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation and Emirates American School have formalised their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering sports and educational partnerships, enhancing school sports, and empowering female students through dedicated sports programmes. The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice President of the Foundation, and Mr Amol Vaidya, Executive Vice President of Global Schools Group. Both parties highlighted the significance of integrating sports into the educational system and encouraging a culture of physical activity among students.
Strengthening school sports through collaboration
The agreement seeks to unite efforts between both institutions in advancing school sports by broadening participation, introducing diverse sporting activities, and enabling students to explore and refine their athletic talents. Additionally, it aims to instil the habit of physical activity as a fundamental aspect of daily life, given its vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being and nurturing a generation that is both physically fit and mentally resilient.
Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice President of Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation, emphasised that this agreement represents a key milestone in embedding sports within the educational framework. She pointed out that school sports contribute to developing resilience, enhancing physical fitness, and deepening students' understanding of overall well-being. She further stated, "We firmly believe that sports are instrumental in shaping a balanced personality, offering girls a platform to develop both their physical and cognitive skills within an environment that supports their growth."
Similarly, Moza Al Shamsi, Director of Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation, praised the agreement's role in strengthening the culture of physical activity among female students. She underlined that this initiative will help cultivate a generation that is not only physically healthy but also equipped to succeed in various spheres of life.
She also stressed that successful sports development extends beyond physical fitness to encompass nutrition awareness, cognitive skill-building, and injury prevention through advanced training methodologies. To this end, the Foundation will introduce specialised training workshops to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to elevate their athletic performance.
At the same time, Amol Vaidya reaffirmed that sports are a core element in fostering a well-rounded personality and maintaining children's health. He remarked, "Physical well-being directly influences mental and emotional stability. Our experience has demonstrated that a physically healthy child exhibits greater overall balance. Sports should not be treated as an optional activity but rather as a fundamental component of every educational institution, engaging students, educators, and administrators alike to create a more holistic and effective learning environment."
Dr Samiksha Chaturvedi, Director of Emirates American School, stressed the importance of encouraging girls to engage in sports. She noted, "Every girl will eventually become a pillar of her family, playing a crucial role in instilling a culture of health and physical activity within her household. Strengthening girls physically and mentally is an essential step toward building a more conscious, healthier, and sustainable society."
Comprehensive sports programmes across all academic levels
The memorandum includes tailored sports programmes for students across all educational levels, incorporating both individual and team sports. It also provides a structured pathway for students interested in pursuing advanced training and professional athletic development.
Ensuring quality through performance monitoring
A dedicated joint committee will be formed to oversee the execution of the agreement and assess its impact by tracking student participation, evaluating fitness level improvements, and monitoring athletic achievements.
The agreement will remain in effect for two years, with the option for renewal, allowing both institutions to refine their initiatives and expand collaborative efforts. This partnership aligns with the vision of Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation to advance women's sports, develop a generation of accomplished female athletes, and establish school sports as a fundamental pillar of a healthy and athletic community.