530 girls participate in ‘Challenge Accepted’ race

The second edition of Sharjah’s first ever female-only obstacle race, ‘Challenge Accepted’ was a resounding success, with 530 girls participating in the individual and team events that were held at the Sharjah Girl Guides (SGG) headquarters in Al Bdai’e.

The race required the contestants to navigate a series of obstacles, which involved the elements of water, ice and sand, as well as balancing challenges. ‘Challenge Accepted’ comprised three individual events and one team event.

Younger competitors aged 7-10 years competed in a 3-km challenge, with Tasneem Halwani; Lina Haddad and Nailah Rushda, placing first, second and third, respectively.

Yumna Alabassi, Eman Alshehi and Salma Mohammad placed first, second and third respectively, in the 5-km challenge for individuals aged 11-13 years. The 5-km challenge for individuals aged 14-18 years saw Shamsa Alshaali secure first place, while Shahad Rashid, and Hala Khalid, placed second and third, respectively.

The only team event — a 5-km challenge for 14- to 18-year-olds — was won by the ‘Star’ team, comprising Yasmeen Qahwaji, Nour Radwan, Farah Naqeeb and Rowayna Metwalee. The ‘M&L 5’ team — Aisha Abdelaziz Alnaqbi, Hind Abdelaziz Alnaqbi, Fatima Naef Aljaberi and Fatima Saif Alsuwaidi — placed second, while Maryam Alnuaimi, Shamsa Fahad, Lubna Bukhatir and Shaikha Mohammed of the ‘M&L 4’ team placed third.

The first placed winners were awarded gold medals, while the second and third placed finalists in both events received silver and bronze medals respectively.

Shaikha Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Manager of SGG, said: “This challenging obstacle race that debuted in 2017, reflects Sharjah’s and the UAE’s vision that focuses on human development and excellence in all fields. At SGG, we ensure that our girls build strong personalities, imbibe good values and develop exceptional leadership qualities by participating in such tough challenges. It is essential that academic learning is supplemented with the development of strong life skills that will make their experiences holistic and equip them better for the future that lies ahead.” The UAE School Sports Association, Sharjah Police Headquarters and Sharjah Municipality collaborated on ‘Challenge Accepted’. Body & Soul Health Club, Ishaq Bin Omran Medical Centre LLC, Fit Fresh Juice, Zulal Water Company, Mega Hygiene, Karaji Perfume, Abbot Nutrition, VPM International Health Care, City Pharmacy (Sebamed), and Thumbay Hospital sponsored the event.

Established in Sharjah in 1973, the guiding movement subsequently spread to all seven emirates, giving rise to the Girl Guides Association of the UAE in 1979.