By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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The cornerstone of this initiative is the inauguration of a Girls’ Basketball Court at one of Right To Play’s government partner schools in Islamabad’s G-7/1 area. The court was inaugurated by senior parliamentarian honorable Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb alongside captain of National Women’s Basketball team and 300 school girls. This project underscores the organization’s commitment to empowering girls and fostering their holistic development through sports.
The newly developed basketball court will serve as a hub for over 800 adolescent girls enrolled in the school, providing them with a safe and inclusive space to engage in sports activities. In addition to regular access for school students, the court will also be open to host girls’ sports events organized by other schools, fostering community engagement and collaboration. Furthermore, the initiative will include evening basketball coaching sessions for girls who are enthusiastic about honing their skills and exploring their passion for basketball. These sessions will be facilitated by trained coaches, providing girls with the mentorship and guidance they need to excel in the sport.
The Principal of F.G Model Girls School G-7/1 Islamabad Mussarat Sadiq, welcomed esteemed guests and lauded the organizers for their relentless efforts in fostering a culture of sports among young girls. She further emphasized the importance of collaboration by mentioning the school’s partnership with over eight different schools. She expressed optimism about expanding this initiative in the future, aiming to encourage more schools and students to participate in similar activities.
The event, organized by the renowned Right to Play initiative, showcased a commitment to promoting safe environments for girls to participate in various sports activities. The event kicked starts with the vibrant Cultural performances of talented young girls of G-7/1 Islamabad School, adorned in traditional dresses representing the rich diversity of Pakistan’s provinces.
Country Director of Right to Play, Ali Khayam said “This basketball court is just the beginning, We are committed to mobilizing funds to create a comprehensive sports complex, complete with football and tennis courts, to further support the holistic development of girls in Islamabad.”
Ali Khayam highlighted the organization’s extensive outreach efforts, spanning over 15 districts of Pakistan. Emphasizing the importance of gender equality in sports, he underscored the need for both male and female participation in disciplines such as table tennis and basketball. He expressed gratitude towards the Federal Directorate of Education and the school’s administration for their unwavering support in making the event a success.
In his address, Khayam shed light on the challenges faced in maintaining sports infrastructure across the country. While acknowledging the efforts in constructing play courts and sports facilities, he stressed the critical need for sustained upkeep and maintenance. Additionally, he called upon sports federations to provide adequate coaching and support to nurture young talent.
Despite the absence of key players due to their game commitments, the event featured an inspiring recorded message from renowned basketball player Sana Mehmood. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared anecdotes of overcoming obstacles and expressed gratitude towards the Right to Play organization for providing opportunities to aspiring athletes.
The event signifies a pivotal moment in empowering young girls through sports, with the Right to Play initiative leading the charge towards a more inclusive and supportive sporting environment.
