In a recent effort to maximise the outcomes of women’s participation in sports and add to their achievements, the Sharjah Women’s Sport Foundation (SWSF) and Fast Building Contracting Company – a Sharjah-based construction company – signed off on a sponsorship agreement to enable future partnerships in enabling the participation of Emirati female athletes at regional and international sports tournaments.
As part of the sponsorship agreement, Fast Building Contracting Co. will extend patronage, as well as financial and logistic support to SWSF’s basketball, volleyball, athletics, fencing, archery, and shooting teams. In return, SWSF will offer Fast Building Contracting Co promotional spaces at all of its events.
“Signing this agreement and forging this strategic partnership with one of UAE’s leading companies is a remarkable development, and aligns with the programmes and plans that we seek to implement to further the elevation of women in sports locally and regionally,” said Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Director General of SWSF.
“The women’s sport in UAE is making great strides towards the global arena, thanks to the directives and support of the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) and Chairperson of the Sharjah Women’s Sport Foundation (SWSF). Her Highness encourages us to provide all the support needed to elevate women’s sport, and enable Emirati female athletes to achieve their aspiration,” Al Naqbi Added.
“The agreement with Fast Building Contracting Co. represents yet another step towards nation-building through the elevation of women in sports in Sharjah and the UAE. We look forward to extending these partnerships with other state and non-state actors in our pursuit of empowering all girls and women athletes, with the aim of developing their capabilities, honing their skills and ensuring their access to sports,” Al Naqbi noted.
Fathy Afana, CEO of Fast Building Contracting Company, commended signing the agreement and underscored that it opens new horizons for yet more collaboration in the future. He pointed out that the agreement represents one of the most important partnerships, given SWSF’s reputation in the field of promoting women’s sport in UAE.
“As one of the oldest and most reputable construction companies in Sharjah and the UAE, community building and well-being of society are our top priorities. This partnership with Sharjah Women’s Sport Foundation is another step in the direction. It is of utmost importance that women in the UAE are given every opportunity to excel in sports.” said Fathy Afana, CEO of Fast Building Contracting Company.
Afana pointed out that the agreement contributes to creating confident, self-sufficient future female leaders who will not only represent the UAE in sports globally, but will also be equipped to further the progress and get many World Podiums to their names.
The agreement reflects SWSF’s dedication to creating female leaders by providing girls and young women access to world-class training in sports. Through best-in-class facilities, international agreements with prestigious sports federations, enabling participation of female Emirati female athletes at sports tournaments, and superior coaching, the Foundation has taken a lead in supporting local women in the UAE to reach their full potential and represent the nation in a wide range of sports worldwide.
SWSF was established under an Emiri decree in November 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Muhammas bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah. Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the foundation strives to empower national athlete women and develop human capital in the field of women sport. It also seeks to create a talented generation of women leaders in the field of sport, encourage women participation in different sports, promote sports culture and provide a stimulating environment that contributes to elevating women sports.