Qatar’s significant move to foster female athletic talent, Qatar Foundation (QF) has introduced the Creating Pathways Program. Launched in September 2024, this initiative aims to encourage girls aged 12 to 16 to participate in sports, with an initial focus on track and field disciplines. The program seeks to promote physical activity, proper nutrition, and overall well-being among young women in Qatar, ensuring they receive the right support and training to develop their skills.
Olympic Inspiration: Sifan Hassan Joins as Ambassador
To reinforce its commitment, QF has partnered with Olympic gold medalist Sifan Hassan, who has been named the program’s 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.”
Her involvement in the program is expected to encourage young female athletes to believe in their potential and strive for excellence, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Structured Development: Women’s Track and Field Program
The first phase of the Creating Pathways Program is the Women’s Track and Field Program, led by Olympic medalist Elizabeth McColgan, who serves as the Director of Athletics at QF’s CEO Office. This segment specifically targets high-potential Qatari girls, providing them with a female-only training environment that emphasizes skill development, physical health, and mental well-being.
McColgan highlighted the program’s ethos, stating, “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 program is designed to offer specialized coaching, sports science support, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that young athletes receive the best training available. In addition to athletic development, the program emphasizes the importance of education, leadership, and discipline, helping participants build strong character traits that will serve them well both on and off the field.
Expanding Horizons: Future Programs and Women’s Sports Academy
The Creating Pathways Program is designed to evolve, with plans to introduce additional sports such as padel, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, and fencing. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for girls to explore and excel in various athletic disciplines, ensuring a broader talent pool for Qatar’s national sports teams.
Furthermore, QF envisions establishing a Women’s Sports Academy by 2026-2027. This academy will serve as a feeder system into national teams across multiple sports, nurturing elite female athletes and contributing to Qatar’s sporting excellence on the international stage.
The academy will focus on developing well-rounded athletes who not only excel in their chosen sport but also possess leadership skills and the ability to inspire the next generation. By providing long-term development pathways, the initiative seeks to ensure sustained growth in women’s sports in Qatar.
Community Voices: Advocating for Safe Spaces
The initiative has sparked conversations about the need for safe and dedicated spaces for women to engage in sports. Ghalya Al Harami, a Public Relations Specialist at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and advocate for community sports, emphasized, “I think we need more designated areas for ladies. While some girls in Qatari society are open to running in public spaces, the majority feel insecure and unsafe.”
This sentiment underscores the importance of creating environments where women feel comfortable and encouraged to participate in physical activities. The Creating Pathways Program addresses this concern by ensuring that training facilities and sessions cater specifically to the needs of female athletes, promoting a culture of inclusivity and support.
Personal Triumph: Hana Al Khater’s Journey in Volleyball
The impact of the Creating Pathways Program 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 the unity and teamwork among her coaches and teammates. She credits the program for providing access to experienced mentors, advanced training facilities, and networking opportunities that have been pivotal in her development.
Reflecting on her experience, Al Khater stated, “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.”
Her story highlights the transformative power of structured sports programs in shaping young athletes’ careers and personal growth.
Strategic Partnerships: Aligning with National Goals
QF’s initiative aligns with the Qatar Olympic Committee’s National Federation Development Strategy, aiming to create a pipeline of talent that can be integrated into Qatar’s national teams. By working collaboratively with national sports bodies, the program ensures that its objectives are in harmony with the country’s broader sports development goals, fostering a cohesive approach to nurturing athletic talent.
This alignment not only enhances Qatar’s competitiveness in global sporting events but also contributes to a healthier and more active society. The program’s emphasis on developing female athletes reflects Qatar’s commitment to gender equality in sports and the empowerment of women in all aspects of life.
Legacy of the FIFA World Cup: Promoting a Healthier Nation
The Creating Pathways Program is part of QF’s legacy plans following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. By harnessing the excitement and momentum generated by the World Cup, QF aims to offer more opportunities for women and girls to engage in physical activity, contributing to the vision of a healthier nation.
Alexandra Chalat, Executive Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alignment at QF, emphasized, “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.”
By leveraging the global attention brought by the World Cup, the program aims to inspire young women to take up sports and lead healthier lifestyles, ensuring long-term benefits for individuals and society as a whole.
Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s Sports in Qatar
The launch of the Creating Pathways Program marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s journey toward empowering female athletes. By providing structured training, fostering community support, and aligning with national strategies, QF is laying the groundwork for a future where women and girls can thrive in sports.
This initiative not only aims to develop athletic skills but also to instill confidence, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for physical well-being among participants. As Qatar continues to invest in women’s sports, programs like Creating Pathways will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of female athletes, ensuring that they have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed on both national and international stages.
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