H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, honoured the winners of the first edition of the Sharjah Sports Excellence Leadership Programme during a ceremony held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre on Wednesday evening.
In a celebration of sporting achievement and professional leadership, Sheikh Abdullah recognized the exceptional contributions of Sharjah’s clubs and individuals. The Sharjah Classic Car Club and Sharjah Cultural Chess Club received the award for Best Leading Club among specialised clubs. In the sports clubs category, Sharjah Sports Club and Al Hamriyah Cultural Sports Club were awarded as the Best Leading Club. In a heartfelt moment, 12 employees from various Sharjah clubs were also honoured with the Unknown Soldier Award for their dedicated service.
The ceremony featured distinctions in multiple categories of outstanding employees. Ammar Ahmed Mahmoud from Sharjah International Marine Sports Club was recognized as Best Support Services Employee among specialised clubs, while Haitham Atef Maghari from Sharjah Sports Club won in the sports clubs category. For Best Institutional Communication Employee, Huda Thani Ali of Sharjah Classic Car Club prevailed among specialised clubs, with Shaimaa Ali Al Saridi from Khorfakkan Cultural Sports Club taking honours among sports clubs.
Distinction in strategy and performance was awarded to Ahmed Sultan Al Hassani of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club and Badr Al Din Abdulmutallib Khidr of Khorfakkan Cultural Sports Club for specialised and sports clubs, respectively. For their efforts in promoting community culture, Aisha Youssef Al Qassab from Sharjah Classic Car Club and Mohamed Ahmed Al Batanouni from Mleiha Cultural Sports Club were each acknowledged as Best Community Culture Employee.
The prestigious Best Executive Director accolade was presented to Ahmed Saif Al Tamimi from Sharjah Classic Car Club for specialised clubs and Mohamed Ali Al Qusair from Sharjah Sports Club for sports clubs. Sheikh Abdullah also extended recognition to the judges and evaluators, taking commemorative photos and wishing them continued success.
In appreciation of his unwavering support, Sheikh Abdullah received a commemorative shield from the Sharjah Sports Council, acknowledging his commitment to the council’s vision and ongoing engagement with Sharjah’s clubs and activities.
The evening commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech from Dr Abdullah Abdulrahman bin Sultan, Head of the Sharjah Sports Excellence Leadership Programme. The speech highlighted the impact of the council’s strategy over the past four years, resulting in numerous initiatives that have greatly enhanced the emirate’s sports ecosystem. Dr Abdullah shared that “the achievements we celebrate today are the result of an integrated institutional effort aimed at empowerment, sustainability, and developing a sports environment that contributes to quality of life in the emirate.”
Dr Abdullah also discussed key statistics for the programme’s inaugural cycle: 124 applications were received, numerous field visits conducted, and a variety of training courses, workshops, and seminars held, reinforcing the council’s broad commitment to professional development.
A documentary showcased the journey and impact of the Sharjah Sports Excellence Leadership Programme, illuminating the dedication of the programme’s teams and the tangible improvements to club and staff performance across the emirate.
The event also included a captivating theatrical performance titled “The Hero’s Memory,” presented by the Art for All Centre. The play’s three acts traced the emotional journey of sporting heroes, spotlighted the values of sportsmanship, excellence, and leadership, and concluded with a festive gathering around the championship trophy.
This landmark event underscores Sharjah’s ongoing investment in sporting excellence, community development, and the celebration of those who strive for greatness both on and off the field.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
