SHARJAH 28 June 2018: The Sharjah Sports Family Award (SSFA) has confirmed that the total value of this year’s prize money will be Dh600,000 to be divided among four categories that show ultimate dedication in both sport and support.
Organised by the Sharjah Sports Council, the awards consists of Dh300,000 in the ‘Sporting Family’ category, which is presented to a family whose members have made several professional accomplishments in sports. A prize of Dh100,000 will be awarded to winners of the ‘Family of Sports Heroes’, which is conferred on families who have supported the sporting ambitions of a family member.
The new categories of ‘Hero/Heroine with a Disability’, and ‘Family Participation in Community and Health Sports’, will also receive Dh100,000 each.
SSFA is encouraging all nationals who meet the criteria to apply before the deadline of December 12, 2018.
All entrants, whether individual or collective, must have made their achievements at sports and athletics competitions organised officially at local, regional and international levels. The winners will be announced and honoured at a ceremony early next year.
Abdul Al Aziz Al Noman, Chairman of the SSFA Board of Trustees, said: “The awards aim to inspire the entire Emirati community, especially the young generation, to participate in sports through clubs, institutions and national teams. This not only fosters an excellent spirit of competition, but also reinforces the UAE national agenda 2021 on implementing wellbeing awareness with a focus on encouraging community members to pursue healthy lifestyles.
Dr Salah Taher, Head of the awards’ Technical and Arbitral Committee, believes that the addition of two new categories will give families even greater opportunities to be recognised for their sporting achievements.
He added: “In particular, the ‘Hero/Heroine with a Disability’ award is a reflection of the UAE’s determination to bring equality and parity to people who are differently-abled. Sporting opportunities are greater than ever before and this category adds a new dimension to what is essentially an appreciation of all those who achieve sporting excellence as well as those that support them.”
The new category of ‘Hero/Heroine with Disability’ will be dedicated to families that have contributed to developing the sporting ambitions of a family member with special abilities and needs. The award celebrates the outstanding efforts of Emirati families, whose material and moral support has helped individuals challenge their disability and hone their skills to integrate themselves into the professional sporting circles of the UAE.
The ‘Family Participation in Community and Health Sports’ category has been created to shine the spotlight on families for whom participation in sports and regular physical activity is a lifestyle choice.