Abu Dhabi: In recognition of her outstanding work in sports development, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, has been honoured with a trophy from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum accepted the award on behalf on Shaikha Fatima who attended the ceremony.
Hundreds were present at the honourary ceremony, held at the Emirates Palace Auditorium on Wednesday night.
Attendees included the UAE women’s football team, members of Abu Dhabi Club for Special Needs as well as ambassadors and local school children.
The ceremony started with a documentary showing some highlights and accomplishments of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan from his early foundation of the UAE to his later days.
This was followed by speeches from both Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Ahmad Al Fahad, representative of the IOC President, Dr Jacques Rogge.
“It is a pleasure and an honour for me to be in this country that we, as Kuwaitis, adore,” Al Fahad said. “Shaikha Fatima truly deserves this award as she has been working for four decades to make sure women are contributing to various aspects in life.”
The ceremony also featured a documentary on Shaikha Fatima’s initiatives to develop various women’s sectors and her continuous support of her late husband, Shaikh Zayed.
In her statement, Shaikha Fatima expressed her joy saying that the trophy was an honour to all Emirati and Arab women as it was a drive for further innovation. She added that such an accomplishment was the result of great determination of Emirati women.
Shaikha Fatima has earlier inspired the launch of an annual international award for female athletes in her name as part of a series of initiatives to promote women in sports.
The IOC Trophy was also awarded to United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon this year.
