7 minute read
Sport is Life
FATMA AL SHAMSI, AL AIN BASED EMIRATI TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST SHARES HER SPORTIING JOURNEY AND HOW IT CHANGED HER LIFE
Meeting in a popular coffee shop, Fatma stands as I approach and greets me warmly. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she shares her coaching philisophy.
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“I love making a difference and really touching people’s lives. No matter who it is I meet during my day, I want to leave them feeling better after I leave. This is my passion. This is my goal, to spread happiness and help people realise their own value no matter what their job or income.”
“Sport for me is key as a catalyst for change. As a transformational coach, I work with people that are stuck in a particular area of their life. I find using sport in these situations helps break through that barrier. Of course, I am not suggesting that everyone starts competing at a professional level, but it is the physical movement that is key in moving forward in your life - literally.”
I work with a small group of ladies in a luxury setting here in UAE at one of the coastal hotels. We spend a weekend away doing activities and introspective exploration to figure out exactly what the course participants want out of life and how to get it. How to understand themselves, and who they want to be in the world.”
“I have developed a system called PPS - the Personal Positioning System.
When is the next course?
LIFE AS A TEAM
How did you get together as asporting group?
“We started as cousins and our other friends joined us”
Tell us about your experiencesat the Gov Games. Whatwas the highlight?
Gov games were one of our dream challenges. We never thought it would happen though as it was only for government employees. Under the vision of Sheikh Hamdan, there was a community category added that we were eligible to compete in.
I can honestly say that we were not ready to compete at that level but we made it through the qualifiers and ended up finishing 14th overall at the actual games so it was an incredible achievement for us. Now that we know what to expect we will train hard and we will be ready for next year.
Tell us about your experienceat the recent Al Salam 109kmCycle Race through Dubai Desert.
Cycling was a challenge for me because I was new to the sport. To be ready in only a few months for a race that far was really tough. We prepared and trained very hard for it. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The wind was so strong in places we could not even see the track there was so much sand but we made it and I finished in the top 20 as an individual and came 4th in the race as a team which was a very proud achievement for all of us.
Do you feel that you are rolemodels for other girls to joinsports?
I can say yes we are, as we inspiring many girls to join different kinds of sports. Especially when we post our achievements on social media. It is a way to make people know more about how you can add sports into your life.
What would you say to people that have never done sports before or don’t feel that they are sporty people and believe they can’t do it?
You are missing out. It may be hard in the beginning, but the effort is worth it. Not having sport in your life means missing out on a lot of happiness, a feeling of freedom. Sport becomes a kind of meditation to recharge your energy for the rest of the day.
The support you get from your team, always there for you, shouting, wanting you to be your best. It is a special feeling, a special community. I hope that as many people as possible will join us.
For other Emirati girls that want to start doing more sports, what would be your advice?
Just start and do it - you will love it. It is a challenge at the beginning to continue, but you will be proud of yourself in the end. And you will find it is a kind of addiction that you can’t stop doing it for the rest of your life.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced so far in sports?
Injuries. I injured my leg through over-training and had to stop doing what I loved for 6 months. That was my hardest challenge, to stop doing what I love to do every day.
But it made me seek out other kinds of sports so in hindsight it was a positive thing.
So my suggestion is always to listen to your body and give the right rest and recovery. I was crazy to ignore the pain - I thought I would be fine but it only got worse. Love your body as much as you love the sports.
Do you think the Al Ain community is ready to have more Emirati women sporting heroes?
Sure we are all from Al Ain so if we can do it then anyone can do it.
INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS
What made you start out insport?
I have always been a sporty person but started getting more serious about it through team encouragement.
What are your biggestachievements so far as an individual?
My 109km cycling at Al Salam champion And my 21km RAK marathon
Have you always liked sports and been active?
Yes, when I was a kid I loved gymnastics and volleyball.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
My speaking career takes up the remainder of my time. Inspiring others to achieve their goals.
Which strengths do you believeyou have that make youa great athlete?
To achieve anything in life you need determination and perseverance. It is no different in sport and I have both of those qualities. Once my mind is made up there is nothing I cannot achieve.
What does your daily routine look like?
I get up at 6.00 am and run between 5 and 10km before work. Afternoon training is either cycling or a gym workout. What time is left I devote to family and friends.
Which sport is your favourite to play?
Running, cycling and volleyball will always be high on my list.
I also love cross fit as it has many movements and challenges that never end and does not have a fixed routine.
