17 February 2020
The 7th edition of Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy’s International Show Jumping Cup kicks off this week
The 7th edition of Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy’s International Show Jumping Cup kicks off this week
- The cup is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak
- The event is open to the public and targeted to all community members
Abu Dhabi, UAE 17 February 2020: The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) announced the kick off of its seventh edition of the International Show Jumping Cup this week, which will commence on Thursday, 20 February until Saturday, 22 February. The annual cup, which aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in sports, is open to the public and targets all community members.
The cup is held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and under the guidance of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and the President of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain ladies clubs.
The announcement of the cup’s details was made during a press conference, held on 17 February, which included HE Amal Abdul Qadir Al-Afifi, board member at FBMA; HE Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation; Ms Souad Al Suwaidi, Head of Research at Ministry of State; Khalid Al Junaibi, event organizer; and Hesham Al Hosani, Equestrian Manager.
The cup will be taking place at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, welcoming 120 riders from 26 countries, where the contestants will compete for the trophy.
The seventh edition of the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup will be open to the public from 10am to 8pm. The annual cup aims to empower women and drive engagement in various sports activities, including equestrian activities.
HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, President of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain ladies clubs, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the seventh FBMA International Show Jumping Cup and we look forward to welcoming talents from all over the world, along with engaging community members in a family-friendly event that supports women empowerment.”
HE Amal Abdul Qadir Al-Afifi, Board member of Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy for Women's Sports, expressed her deep appreciation to Her Highness Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, "Mother of the UAE", for her continuous support to Emirati women saying: "The championship continues to consolidate its position throughout the years as one of the most important sports events. We are also looking at the importance of the UAE and the Middle East as a leading platform for equestrian sports, that does not only include categories for women but also for male and young riders," she said.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al-Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, also expressed his sincere appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazaa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for their role and generous support to the plans for advancing women's accessibility to sports and encouraging them to take the highest positions in international events.
“Since its inception, the FBMA International Show Jumping Cup has had great success in attracting riders from all over the world, due to the great efforts and the crucial role played by Fatima bint Mubarak Academy for Women's Sports and its keen organization of this tournament."
"The high number of international participation of the riders emphasizes the importance of the event in Abu Dhabi's sports agenda, highlighting the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a distinguished sports destination hosting the world's largest sporting events, in addition to supporting women's participation in the UAE across various sports," Al-Awani added.
His Excellency General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, commented: “The Academy has overseen a major quality shift in women's sports in the UAE and across the world. The Academy’s efforts to bring in international riders to FBMA International Show Jumping Cup, as seen in its previous editions, has vastly improved the competition and quality of games on display.
His Excellency continued: "Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy has managed to take a prominent role in the show jumping championships. The Emirates Equestrian and Race Federation has had a positive impact on the event, supporting the technical skills of the UAE’s female and male riders, and logistically positioning the UAE as an important hub for international competition at the highest levels."
The 3-day cup will provide community members with a chance to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Equestrian Village, while watching the jumping cup. The Equestrian Village will be providing fun activities, as well as food trucks that offer attendees a variety of sweet and savoury food options, satisfying all food cravings.
The cup will also include two workshops, where the ‘Secret Garden Workshop’ will be providing participants with hand-on experience for arranging flowers to make up the most beautiful bouquet, while the ‘Sports Photography Workshop’ will be allowing participants to take professional photos from the cup to develop their photography skills.
The seventh FBMA International Show Jumping Cup is sponsored by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Al Shira’aa Stables, Longines, Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi Media, Yas TV, ZAK, International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), UAE Equestrian Racing Federation, Etisalat, Al Salama Group Holdings, Dr. Firas Dental and Orthodontic Center.
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