The announcement was made at a press conference on Sunday, March 24, at Dubai Sports Council (DSC) I the presence of Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, a member of DSC\u2019s Board of Directors and President of the Women\u2019s Sports Committee at DSC, Khalid Al Awar, Director of the Sports Events Department at DSC, Event Director Ruth Dickinson and representatives of other event supporters and sponsors.<\/p>\n
Lamia Abdulaziz Khan said: \u201cEmpowering women in all spheres of life and providing them with an opportunity to practise sports and physical activity, and to compete in an atmosphere that confirms to the customs and traditions of the UAE is one of our strategic objectives and the Al Marmoom Women\u2019s Cycling Challenge is an initiative that seeks to further those aims.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen in the UAE are keen for such opportunities and the amazing turnouts at the first and second editions of the Dubai Women\u2019s Triathlon were a testimony to that. Now, we are pleased to offer them another first-of-its-kind event dedicated to women.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we celebrate the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, we encourage all women, from our wonderfully diverse segments of the society, to come out and participate in this very special event inside the idyllic Al Marmoom Desert Conservation and make it a day to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Al Marmoom Women\u2019s Cycling Challenge is open to women of all abilities and nationalities, Emirati and expatriates. Participants under the age of 18, however, will have to provide a consent letter from their parent or guardian.<\/p>\n
Participants can register as individuals or teams. Individual categories will be divided into the following age groups; Under 13 years, 13-15 years, 16-19, 20-39, 40-49 and 50-plus. The team competition, meanwhile, will take place in three categories: Teams of four plus are encouraged in the kids, juniors and adults categories.<\/p>\n
There are three distances offered: 10 kms for kids under 13 years, 20kms for juniors 13-15 years, 20 kms adults over 16 years and 50 kms for adults over 16 years. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 3 in each category, all finishers will receive medals and all participants will receive a souvenir Tshirt..<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen\u2019s cycling in Dubai and across the UAE is a fast growing sport and past time,\u201d said Dickinson. \u201cThe excellent facilities and easy access to cycle tracks have encouraged women and girls to take up cycling competitively and socially in a safe environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to encourage women and girls of all abilities to join the challenge. Come to compete, or come for fun and a great experience. Come to support Al Jalila Foundation and their valuable work helping children and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dickinson added that the Al Marmoom Women\u2019s Cycling Challenge seeks to promote a physically active lifestyle and the health benefits of cycling as an activity for women and girls.<\/p>\n
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