Lunging forward, female Arab fencers thrust their sabre onto their opponent while Arab basketball players dunk a win. That’s the current high-energy animated spirit of the ongoing 7th edition of the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament taking place in Sharjah.
Behind the thriving tournament is Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, wife of the ruler of Sharjah, who launched this tournament back in 2012.
She’s not merely a royal figure; she’s someone who constantly strives to better her community and society. She managed to find a place in a myriad of hearts. She did so through her exemplary humanitarian efforts that included improving the lives of people suffering from cancer, abuse, disabilities, and poverty and through her advocacy for women’s empowerment.
One of her many efforts included how, in 2007, she partnered with charity organizations and the UN to raise more than $22 million to aid Palestinian refugee children. Along with that, in 2006, she raised $6.3 million to help people displaced in Lebanon.
Today, her current focus is on the ongoing tournament that’ll be running until February 12. It has seen some major wins, including how Emirati Fencer Mahra Abdullah clinched gold after defeating her teammate Asila Darwish. Following in tow, Omani Jana Mohamed Al Sharjya snatched the gold medal after a major win against Emirati Sheikha Youssef.
Such a tournament is quite special, as it inspires young women to play sports and chase their Olympic dreams.
As per Her Highness’ words, she directed a warm message to every team taking part, saying “We recognize that each one of you came to Sharjah carrying a dream that you set for yourself and an ambition that takes you to various sports arenas to compete, win medals, and carry your country’s name on the stages of victory.”
Knowing all that she accomplished, we can’t wait to see what else Her Highness has prepared for both the empowerment of women and the improvement of global societies.
