Abu Dhabi: The first ladies’ showjumping championship organised by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies’ Sports Academy (FBMA) will see riders from throughout the region battle for a slice of the Dh150,000 prize fund.
The inaugural championship will be held on Sunday, February 10, at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club showjumping arena.
FBMA official Abdullah Al Rowaidy Al Zuhairy told a press conference: “This event is being held under the patronage and guidance of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Chairperson of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.”
Taleb Daher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation, said riders from the UAE will be joined by seven from Kuwait, four from Qatar and a couple each from Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.
“We have still kept the entries open to enable as many from outside the country to take part in this inaugural championship as possible,” he said.
“Apart from a total prize money of Dh150,000, there will also be various trophies for the competitors.”
Talal Al Hashemi of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “This championship comes within the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s aim to promote all sport and at all levels. We have seen women excel in equestrian sport in the UAE and this is another new event which will help boost women seeking to make a mark in the sporting arena.”
Hadeel Al Masry, Consultant at ADSC, said the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies’ Sports Academy was keen to promote women’s sport in the UAE and the region by organising such championships. “As directed by Her Highness Shaikha Fatima, the aim is to create an awareness campaign through such events and enhance the ability of women in sport,” she added.
“We will see the reactions of the riders this year and, starting next year, there will be a fixed calendar for the event and it will be conducted on an annual basis.
Competitions will be held over two rounds starting from 4pm and entrance is free.
— Sarah Gamal is an intern at Gulf News
