In a significant move to foster female athletic talent, Qatar Foundation (QF) has unveiled the Creating Pathways Program. This initiative is designed to encourage girls aged 12 to 16 to engage in sports, with an initial emphasis on track and field events. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of female athletes by providing comprehensive training and support.
Olympic Champion Sifan Hassan Joins as Ambassador
The program’s launch was marked by the announcement of Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan as its ambassador. Hassan, renowned for her achievements in middle- and long-distance running, including a gold and two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to the initiative.
Reflecting on her journey, Hassan shared, “As a refugee, I have faced difficult situations, but running helped me conquer my fear. Because of running, I am not afraid to fail, to take up challenges, or to make mistakes. That is what I want to pass on to the young girls in Qatar and the region. Girls everywhere hold a lot of promise – they just need some encouragement to believe in themselves, and that’s what I will help them do.”
Program Structure and Objectives
The Creating Pathways Program is a cornerstone of QF’s post-FIFA World Cup legacy plans. It seeks to promote physical activity among young girls by offering training sessions led by local mentors and coaches. These sessions will emphasize the importance of exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being. The inaugural phase, known as the Women’s Track and Field Program, targets high-potential Qatari girls within a female-only training environment. Future phases will expand to include after-school and community-based sports initiatives, broadening the scope of participation opportunities.
Leadership and Vision
Elizabeth McColgan, an Olympic medalist and Director of Athletics at QF’s CEO Office, underscores the program’s commitment to empowering women through sports. “We are committed to promoting the participation of women and girls in sports and to providing a safe and welcoming environment for female athletes of all ages and skill levels. The Creating Pathways Program has been designed with women in mind – healthy you, healthy body, healthy mind,” McColgan stated.
Alexandra Chalat, Executive Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alignment at QF, highlighted the program’s alignment with national health objectives. “At Qatar Foundation, we promote and enable participation in sports by offering accessible opportunities for everyone, with our programs reflecting diverse needs and cultural considerations. QF is harnessing the post-FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 excitement to provide more opportunities for women and girls to engage in physical activity, contributing to the legacy vision of a healthier nation,” Chalat explained.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
The program collaborates with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and aligns with QOC’s National Federation Development Strategy. A significant future development is the establishment of a Women’s Sports Academy, slated to launch in 2026-2027. This academy aims to serve as a feeder system for national teams across various sports and will be housed at the Education City Stadium, a key FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue now being transformed into a hub for women’s and girls’ sports.
Expanding Opportunities in Women’s Sports
Beyond track and field, QF is actively working to broaden sports opportunities for girls in disciplines such as basketball and volleyball. Collaborations with international governing bodies are underway to develop coaching education programs and clinics, ensuring that the initiatives are both globally informed and locally relevant. These efforts aim to create a supportive environment where female athletes can thrive and contribute to the nation’s sporting success.
Inspiring Stories: Hana Al Khater’s Journey
The impact of such programs is exemplified by athletes like Hana Al Khater, a 16-year-old Qatari volleyball player. Al Khater’s passion for volleyball was ignited by observing her coaches and teammates, whose dedication and teamwork inspired her to pursue the sport. “I discovered my passion for volleyball by watching how my coaches and teammates, who were older than me, played the game. Passion was their main motivation. The ball was a symbol that brought them together and embodied teamwork in every sense,” she recounted.
Al Khater’s journey has been marked by dedication and resilience. She attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family and coaches at QF’s Education City High School. Her involvement in the Creating Pathways Program has been transformative, providing access to experienced mentors, advanced training facilities, and networking opportunities. “The Creating Pathways Program has been a life-changing experience. It has provided me with access to experienced mentors, advanced training facilities, and networking opportunities that would have been difficult to find otherwise. These resources not only improved my skills but also have given me the confidence to aim higher,” Al Khater shared.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Female athletes in Qatar have historically faced challenges such as limited access to professional-level competitions and societal expectations. However, with initiatives like the Creating Pathways Program, there is a growing sense of optimism. Al Khater emphasized the importance of perseverance and support, stating, “As a Qatari athlete, I have faced challenges such as limited access to professional-level competitions and the societal expectations. But with the unwavering support of my family, friends, and school, I have been able to overcome these obstacles and continue to move forward.”
Her aspirations include representing Qatar internationally and contributing to the development of a strong women’s volleyball team. She hopes to inspire younger players to dream big and pursue volleyball as a career. “Take that first step,” she advises. “Don’t let fear hold you back. It might feel difficult at first, as if everyone is judging you, but every great journey begins with one single step.”
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