MUSCAT: The 'Step Forward' programme, an initiative organised by the Omani Olympic Committee (OOC) in partnership with Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company (Ooredoo), continues its mission to empower women's leadership within the sports and administrative realms.
A workshop was convened on Wednesday at the Omani Olympic Academy headquarters to review and assess sports leadership projects participating in the programme. Under the presence of Taha bin Suliman al Kishri, OOC Secretary-General, and an evaluation committee comprising Sanaa bint Hamad al Busaidiyah, Head of the Oman Committee for Women's Sports and Gender Equality; Dr Mansour bin Sultan al Touqi, OOC board member and Sports Affairs expert, and Khalifa bin Saif al Aissa'i, Consultant for Special Bodies at the Office of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth.
The Step Forward programme is a pivotal initiative orchestrated by the Women's Sports Committee for the year aiming to foster women's leadership capabilities in sports and administration. It provides participants with opportunities to cultivate their administrative and leadership acumen, bolster teamwork, and encourage personal development.
Moreover, it contributes to enhancing the stature of women in the sports arena, exemplifying a proactive approach to goal-setting and sports project development to bolster women's sports in Oman. The programme encompasses a series of specialised workshops and practical training sessions that have been conducted since May, featuring hands-on applications and the hosting of inspirational figures and leaders closely associated with the programme.
During the workshop, the three groups presented their proposed projects, emphasising the practical and executive aspects to the evaluation committee for the selection of the winning project. The victorious project will be unveiled at the closing ceremony scheduled for the end of this month.
Project 1: 'Developing Public Spaces into Sports Parks'
In line with Oman's urbanisation and residential revitalisation efforts, this project transforms public spaces in residential areas into vibrant sports parks. It features a badminton court, a multipurpose sports field, an open-air mini-theatre, a cafe, and a service building, offering safe and community-focused sports spaces for all age groups and genders. Environmentally conscious with open facilities, it enhances the aesthetics of the proposed location.
Project 2: 'Omani Academy for Electronic Sports'
This proposal seeks to establish an academy for electronic sports enthusiasts, facilitating skill improvement, professionalism and participation in global electronic sports competitions. The academy will comprise professional players, trainers and experts in the electronic sports field. It aims to promote technological innovation, digital culture, and economic development while advancing sports tourism in Oman, aligning with Oman Vision 2040.
Project 3: Virtual Sports Platform
This project presents a comprehensive virtual sports platform connecting thousands of athletes, clubs, federations, and sports committees across various sports. It serves as a central hub for information, data, and services, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for users.
Khalifa al Aissa'i highlighted the evaluation criteria for these projects, including the idea, target audience, and project feasibility.
Sanaa al Busaidi, shared insights into the 'Step Forward' programme, which included five interactive workshops focused on self-development, leadership, management, and collaborative project ideas. The programme also featured interactions with inspirational figures and the evaluation of group projects by a neutral committee to identify the best initiatives.
She underscored the Oman Committee's commitment to providing opportunities for women's sports leadership and the development of women's sports across Oman. It will encompass cultural, sports and youth directorates, associations and sports clubs.
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