Sharjah Ladies Club's Fencing Team in second phase

The fencing team at Sharjah Ladies Club has moved to the second phase of its preparatory programme for the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2014), being organised by the Women Sports Department at Sharjah Ladies Club and set to take place from February 2nd to 12th, under the gracious patronage of the Wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawahir bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and Chairperson of Sharjah Ladies Club. The team has started a closed internal training camp in its Saladdin venue in Dubai. Seven players are participating in the camp: Rayan Talib, Ghadeer Talib, Sarah Nasser, Dana Humaid, Reem Osman, Hind Hussein, and Al Anood Al Mabrouk. The players are following a strict programme, consisting of morning and evening training sessions, and a final match between participants on the last day. The team started its preparations with an external camp in Qatar, where it spent four days in a joint programme with Qatar Fencing Federation at the Al Sad venue. The joint camp consisted of fitness training, fencing classes, and matches against the Qatari National Team. The technical team of the fencing team is hoping to help its members achieve better concentration, especially after the excellent interaction and experience gained in the Qatari camp, thanks to the presence of the excellent fencers in the Qatari team. Commenting on this programme, Nada Al Naqbi, Head of the Executive Committee and Manager of the AWST, praised the preparations of the fencing team is going through, commenting that the gradual intensification of the programme is a healthy approach. The fencing team coach, Reham Hanafi, said, "The 2014 Tournament will see the first introduction of fencing into AWST. Our fencers are aware of the great task they have ahead of them, especially with the presence of some of the best Arab fencers in this sport. Our team consists of young talented athletes who are gaining experience day by day and improving their performance to a level we are confident will be the best representation of Emirati women at this important pan-Arab event." The coach added, "Our athletes have shown great performance internally, gaining several prestigious awards. We are hoping AWST 2014 will be a chance to move onto new levels of achievement, both pan-Arab and international." She concluded by highlighting the importance of AWST 2014, reaffirming the essential role of good preparation, and saying that all players are determined to be the best ambassadors for the U.A.E..