World Cup Legacy: QF Launches Initiative To Foster Girls' Fencing Talent

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation has launched an initiative to promote fencing sporting talent among Qatari girls. The Creating Pathways Fencing Program will be implemented in collaboration with the Global Ambassador for the programme American Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

In the presence of Vice-Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani; Ibtihaj Muhammad and Tunisian Olympic medalist Inès Boubakri, who is also the Head Coach of the Qatar Fencing Federation, refereed a series of exhibition matches featuring top female players from the Qatar Fencing Federation at the Education City Stadium yesterday.

The Fencing Program is part of the Creating Pathways Program, one of Qatar Foundation's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy initiatives. This program aims to encourage sports participation among girls aged 12-16, while emphasising the importance of exercise, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.

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“The Creating Pathways Fencing Program is giving the opportunity to young girls to try fencing. For many girls around the world, the towns or cities where they live do not have fences. I love that the Qatar Foundation is making the sport accessible for so many girls,” said Muhammad speaking to media.

Recognised as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, Muhammad plays a key role in the broader global conversation on equality and the significance of sport. Her ultimate goal is to help create a more inclusive sporting world where no girl feels limited by her background, religion, or appearance.

Female players from the Qatar Fencing Federation during an exhibition match at the Education City Stadium.

Expressing her hope that many girls will take up fencing, she said,“You don't know what you've never tried; you can't love what you've never had. I hope girls will have the opportunity to try fencing and develop a love for it.” Fencing is the third elite sport to be promoted through the Creating Pathways Program, joining track and field and volleyball, which are already part of the initiative. The fencing track of the Creating Pathways Program will be delivered by the Qatar Fencing Federation in partnership with Qatar Foundation.

Liz McColgan, Director of Athletics Programs, Qatar Foundation, said,“The fencing programme works in alignment with the Qatar Fencing Federation. Our primary focus is placing coaches in schools, and we also collaborate with community programs. Additionally, we conduct talent identification with our coaches, where we identify girls who may not necessarily be the best fencers yet, but who show a natural inclination to excel in fencing.” The Creating Pathways Program identifies talented girls, recruits them, offers a mentorship, emphasises nutrition, women's well-being, and both physical and mental attributes, creating a holistic approach to encourage girls to stay in sports.

“Our program (Creating Pathways Fencing Program) serves as a development hub, supporting the Fencing Federation and schools while focusing on nurturing the girls with more talent who want to take their sports skills to the next level. We focus on age-specific development and create opportunities for these girls to continue progressing along their pathway. Even after they join the Fencing Federation, our mentorship program will continue to support them,” said McColgan.

More details about the programme can be found on its website here .

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