Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, GWU, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, FDF and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, SCMC, has launched a sports programme for women titled 'Professional Trainer', promoting women’s empowerment in sports.
Rym Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the SCMC made the announcement during her speech at the 'Women and Leadership: Networking for Change-makers' workshop today.
The workshop was held at ‘The 4th International Conference of Sports for Women, ICSW’ at Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, FBMA, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme 'Inspiring Generations'.
The directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for the SCMC were to announce the opportunity for women trainers who wish to obtain an international certificate in basic sports training, comprehensive sports training, or health and nutrition training for the following categories, Children’s Sports Trainer, People of Determinations’ Sports Trainer' Elderly’s Sports Trainer' Women’s Personal Sports Trainer, Military Sports Trainer and Sports Club Trainer.
Speaking on occasion, Al Falasy said that the workshop aimed to highlight the importance of building confidence as it is one of the essential skills to maintain an active and reliable network of relationships.
She acknowledged that the UAE leadership highly values Emirati women and continuously supports them across a range of fields. "The UAE empowers, provides opportunities and facilitates all means of success for women locally, regionally and internationally. This is part of its strategy to guarantee women's rights and support their creativity, thus contributing to the progress of its society," she added.
The Secretary-General of the SCMC confirmed that women's sports is greatly supported by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and has resulted in the establishment of a broad base of female athletes in the country, where Emirati women now compete and hold achievements in various regional and international conventions. She also added that the FBMA is well-known internationally and annually introduces hundreds of talents and champions in multiple sports, such as equestrian sports and jujitsu.
She said that Mother of the Nation is the ultimate idol for supporting women in various fields, including sports, and always believes that women are capable, creative, strong and motivated by their ambition. "Her Highness thrives on supporting women in sports and encouraging them to exercise and improve their performance at all levels. Hence, Emirati athlete women succeeded and have been internationally awarded," Al Falasy continued.
She went on to say that Sheikha Fatima aims to develop women's abilities and skills in various sports fields and will continue to encourage women, particularly people of determination in order to achieve the highest levels of excellence. As a result, Her Highness has allocated various ladies’ beaches, launched the first international women’s equestrian championship in which many Emirati women have participated, established the FBMA to encourage women and young ladies in all sports fields and looks forward to forming women sports teams.
At the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Emirati swimmer Nada Al-Badawi was given the task of raising the UAE flag at the opening ceremony; showing the world that Emirati women were prominent in all fields including sports, where they participated in various tournaments and competitions. "The UAE simultaneously continues to support Emirati women’s progression systematically via the support of its wise leadership and Mother of the Nation," she concluded.
