Abu Dhabi: The spouses of international ambassadors residing in the UAE were thrilled by the warm gesture of friendship as the Chairwoman of The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs, Shaikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, invited the ladies to become honorary members of the newly opened Abu Dhabi Ladies Club (ADLC).

Wives of ambassadors representing Australia, Bangladesh, Fiji, Kosovo, Poland, South Africa and Sudan gathered at ADLC on Monday, in an event held in coordination with the General Women’s Union, to thank Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, as well as Shaikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bozena Rostek from Poland, President, Diplomatic Group for Spouses of Ambassadors, said: “It is a great honour to come to this fantastic sports ladies club and thank you for giving us the chance to be members of this community. It is a chance for us to create new friendships and motivate each other in sport.”

Sara Abbas of Sudan also thanked Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and Shaikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their gesture that, she said, reflected their constant endeavour to encourage women to exercise and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Britt Spyrou of Australia said: “I wanted to thank Shaikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for having us here today. The vision of this academy is one that is deeply shared by Australia.

“Our sports commission has a policy to support more women and girls to participate in sport and leadership in sport. We look forward to future collaborations with you as an academy and with the rest of the spouses of the ambassadors, to ensure that women are advanced, they are empowered and we are very happy to support you in the role of sport and physical activity in bringing this about.”

The occasion also presented an opportunity for a dedicated tour of the club for the ladies, giving those who were first-time visitors an insight into the facilities on offer. While on the tour, the spouses saw the FBMA Summer Camp in action, as girls aged from 5 to 15 took part in a host of sports and recreational activities including swimming, gymnastics, and mixed martial arts to name a few. The youngsters also had the chance to get creative with arts and crafts, special workshops and even a series of Master Classes, which provided them the chance to learn from exceptional local talent.