Poetry Knight competition committee holds key meeting

Sharjah24: The judging committee for the annual "Poetry Knight" competition, held alongside the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, convened to review and finalise the competition's guidebook. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority in collaboration with the Cultural Office at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the meeting was attended by Aisha Othman from the Cultural Office, along with judges Abdullah Al Hadiya and poet Sheikha Al Mutairi. The meeting took place at the Cultural Office headquarters in Sharjah.

Encouraging Poetic Expression

The Poetry Knight competition aims to enhance the literary appreciation of children and young adults, refine their speech skills, and encourage them to memorise and recite selections from classical Arabic poetry. It also fosters an appreciation for the beauty of the Arabic language, its rhythm, and expressive depth while reinforcing the importance of Arabic as the language of the Quran.

Competition Categories

The competition is divided into three categories: The first category includes students from grades 1 to 4, requiring them to memorise and recite a ten-verse poem before the judges. The second category is for students from grades 5 to 8, requiring them to memorise two poems. The third category includes students from grades 9 to 12, who must memorise and recite three poems.

Participation Requirements

Contestants must memorise poems assigned to their respective categories while demonstrating precise pronunciation, correct articulation, expressive delivery, and strong stage presence. These criteria ensure that participants not only recite poetry but also engage with its artistic and linguistic depth.

Abdullah Al Hadiya affirmed that the Poetry Knight competition continues to achieve increasing success each year, thanks to the continuous development by the organising committee and the dedicated team that ensures it meets the needs of the new generation. He highlighted the growing participation and competitive spirit among contestants and parents, showcasing students' ability to memorize and recite in classical Arabic. He also emphasised that the competition carries a valuable social message, fostering students’ excellence and character development while enhancing their language proficiency and public speaking skills.