Sharjah Women’s Sport Foundation (SWSF) is spreading its wings with a new sponsorship agreement signed with Air Arabia. Formally agreed on Monday (November 27), the partnership between the two Sharjah entities aims to elevate the profile of women’s sports in the UAE in general and the emirate of Sharjah in particular.

Under the terms of the sponsorship, Air Arabia as the strategic partner, will provide benefits related to the sports events and tournaments that SWSF runs, including free airline tickets to be used as competition prizes. It will also provide discount offerings in its sister companies, which include Centro Hotel and Cozmo Travel agency, among others.

SWSF will reciprocate by carrying Air Arabia’s logo at the tournaments and activities it organises and will also raise awareness of the Sharjah national carrier through its mass media communications, across its social media platforms and by displaying the company’s logo on all its teams’ equipment and uniforms.

“This agreement is another conducive effort to build a skilled generation of female athletes by highlighting women’s sports through partnerships with highly visible and renowned commercial brands. Such sponsorship arrangements benefit women’s sports by raising their profile and encouraging women to take up physical activity and exercise. This in turn is a boost to the nation as a healthy community is he essential underpinning of a vibrant and dynamic society,” said Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Director General of SWSF.

“A community’s strength lies in the mental and physical fitness of its members and we are delighted to be partnering with Air Arabia in our campaign to spread the importance of women participating in sports. We are also proud to be part of an initiative that aims to develop the capabilities of participants and to play an important role in promoting UAE talent in regional and international competitions.” she added.

Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “This agreement reflects the strong commitment we have to our strategic partners and to the local community in Sharjah, where we are keen to support women's sporting activities. Our sponsorship of Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation is in recognition of the essential role that sports can play in women's lives, helping to raise fitness levels, reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases and create strong social bonds. Our goal as an organisation is to be a prominent supporter of women's sport in the emirate and the wider region.”

SWSF was established in 2016 under an Emiri decree from His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Since its inception, the foundation has promoted Emirati sportswomen in sporting forums and has worked dedicatedly to developing their capacity to compete in regional and international events.

SWSF strives to establish a modern integrated system that paves the way for the creation of a female-friendly climate in compliance with the latest international practices related to women’s sports.