Women in sports inspire generations, ICSW hears

Abu Dhabi - Day 2 on Tuesday will see further inspirational talks and sessions from top international athletes

The UAE ministers, young and experienced, highlighted the positive impact of sportswomen in the society and goaded them to keep moving forward to inspire generations.
On the opening day of the International Conference of Sports for Women (ICSW), the ministers highlighted the key role played by the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in supporting sportswomen and encouraging the participation of women in sports both locally and globally.
Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said with high focus on sports, the UAE should soon see a women champion.
"We have reached a moment when we have a champion in the UAE," she said mentioning about Michelle Kwan, the two-time US Olympic medalist, who was among the panelist for discussion on 'Empowering Women: Sports and Leadership'.
Noura said greater focus should be there to encourage and promote sports. "The Dubai Fitness Challenge focusses on making everyone practice sport every day. We have to encourage sports 24X7," said the board member of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The minister said there was a leader in everybody. "We should help youngsters achieve their goals," Noura said noting sports as a 'common responsibility'.
In his address, Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: "Women leaders in sports inspire a generation. We should encourage sportswomen. There should be more awareness created about importance and benefits of being a sportswoman. A sportswoman does a lot of good for the society at large."
Minister of State for Youth Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui said the UAE women aren't waiting for opportunities to be presented to them but grabbing wherever it exist.
"It's no rhetoric but a proven fact that women are equal in all fields of work. Women can inspire others. Women are not waiting for opportunities to come by in future but making her own future," said the youngest minister in the world.
The day had panel discussions on topics of empowering women, behavioural changes, and workshops on leadership and making future champions. Day 2 on Tuesday will see further inspirational talks and sessions from top international athletes.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com