**Qatar Foundation Launches Girls’ Sporting Talent Development Program with Olympic Gold Medalist Sifan Hassan**
In a groundbreaking move to empower young female athletes in Qatar, Qatar Foundation (QF) has officially launched the Creating Pathways Programme, aimed at nurturing sporting talent among girls aged 12-16. The program, which is the first focus of QF’s FIFA World Cup legacy plans, will kick off with a primary emphasis on track and field. This initiative was announced during a launch event held on Saturday, in collaboration with program ambassador and Olympic gold medalist, Sifan Hassan.
The Women’s Track and Field Programme, directed by Olympic medalist Elizabeth McColgan, is the first of five elite sports programs set to be rolled out through this new sporting pathway. With a strong emphasis on promoting physical activity, nutrition, and overall well-being, the program will be led by local mentors and trained coaches who will guide young girls in harnessing their athletic potential.
**Empowering Girls Through Sports**
During the launch event at the Education City Stadium, Sifan Hassan, a Dutch middle- and long-distance runner who recently clinched one gold and two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, shared her personal journey of resilience and determination. Hassan, who has a total of six Olympic medals to her name, emphasized the transformative power of running in overcoming challenges and fears. She stated, “Because of running, I am not afraid to fail, not afraid to take up challenges, and not afraid to make mistakes, and that is what I would like to pass on to the young girls in Qatar and the region.”
Hassan’s inspiring words resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of providing young girls with the encouragement and support they need to believe in themselves. She emphasized that girls everywhere possess immense potential, and with the right guidance and opportunities, they can achieve great success in the world of sports and beyond.
**Promoting Women’s Participation in Sports**
Echoing Hassan’s sentiments, Elizabeth McColgan underscored the commitment of QF to promoting the participation of women and girls in sports. As the Director of Athletics at QF’s CEO Office, McColgan stressed the significance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for female athletes of all ages and skill levels. She emphasized, “The Creating Pathways Programme has been designed with women in mind – healthy you, healthy body, healthy mind.”
The program’s focus on women’s empowerment through sports aligns with QF’s vision of fostering a healthier and more active community, especially in the aftermath of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. By offering accessible sporting opportunities tailored to the needs and cultural considerations of women and girls, QF aims to leave a lasting legacy of physical well-being and empowerment.
**Building a Legacy of Female Athletic Excellence**
The Creating Pathways Programme represents a pivotal step towards the establishment of a Women’s Sports Academy by QF, slated to launch in 2026/2027. The academy will serve as a training ground for aspiring female athletes, providing a pathway to national team selection across various sports. Nestled within the Education City Stadium, a key venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the academy will play a central role in QF’s post-tournament legacy program, offering state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support women’s sports development.
In collaboration with the Qatar Olympic Committee and in alignment with the QOC’s National Federation Development Strategy, the Creating Pathways Programme sets the stage for a new era of female athletic excellence in Qatar. By nurturing young talent and providing a platform for growth and advancement, QF aims to elevate the status of women in sports and inspire a new generation of female athletes to reach their full potential.
**Registering for the Women’s Track and Field Programme**
For those interested in joining the Women’s Track and Field Programme, registration is now open. To sign up and learn more about the program, visit the following link: [Creating Pathways Track and Field Program Registration](https://educationcity.qa/feed/creating-pathways-track-and-field). Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of a transformative journey towards athletic excellence and empowerment for girls in Qatar.
As QF paves the way for a brighter future for female athletes in the region, the Creating Pathways Programme stands as a testament to the power of sports in fostering confidence, resilience, and self-belief among young girls. With the guidance of esteemed ambassadors like Sifan Hassan and the unwavering support of QF, the sky is truly the limit for aspiring female athletes in Qatar and beyond.