Islamabad, Nov 20: Ambassador Nicolas Galey of France, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the final match of the Girls Basketball Tournament at Hamidi Hall, highlighted the transformative power of sports. He emphasized that qualities like teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, cultivated through sports, play a pivotal role in shaping personalities and preparing individuals to navigate life’s challenges.
A total of eight amateur teams from different areas of Islamabad took part in an all-girls basketball tournament titled ‘Equal Playing Field.’
A large number of schoolgirls attended the intensely contested match that was ultimately won by ‘Dream Team’ but superbly fought by the runner-up team ‘Net Warriors.’
The tournament was jointly organized by the non-profit organization ‘Right to Play International,’ Alliance Francaise, and the Embassy of France
Pakistan’s Bronze winner in Paris Olympic Games 2024, Haider Ali, Country Director of the ‘Right to Play’ Ali Khayam, General Secretary of the Federal Basketball Association Ouj-e-Zahoor, First Secretary of the Embassy of Italy, Mr Augusto Palmeiri, wife of Ambassador Nicolas, Camelia Galey and a large number of sports fans, relatives and friends of the players attended the last day event.
They applauded the teams’ players, their various moves and generously applauded on each point.
While praising both the captains, Hunia Rehman of the winning ‘Dream Team’ and Human Roohi of ‘Net Warriors’ the ambassador said though it was a matter of pride and honor for the winners yet what actually mattered was the participation and the spirit to fight till the last hour.
I am deeply touched by the performance of both the teams and find it quite a joyful experience to attend a sporting event participated by the Pakistani women, that too young female players.
“You have the inalienable right to play,” said the ambassador and advised them never to ‘give up.’
The French ambassador also highlighted the significance of the tournament, stating, “This event allows us to promote the spirit of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games here in Pakistan. It is essential for us to contribute to the organization of a women’s tournament. Gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights are priorities for French diplomacy. Social equality and inclusion are equally important.”
It may be mentioned here that Haider Ali and Arshad Mehmood were also given receptions at the Residence of France prior and after the Paris Olympics 2024 and Ambassador Galey is a great fan of them.
Ali Khayam while speaking on the occasion expressed his admiration and appreciation for the sporting spirit of the Pakistani girls saying it has immense social impact and groom the girls to face challenges in life.
The event he said is part of the legacy events planned all through the year in connection with the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Paris in July- August this year.
The participating team represented different colleges and educations institutions under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and female basketballs clubs registered with the Islamabad Basketball Association. According to Ali Khayam, “The idea behind the collaboration was to promote the positive values of sports and the spirit of Olympic games”
“Sport-based development programmes have immense potential to educate and empower children and young people. Purposefully designed sports programs can increase the learning outcomes in schools, reduce dropouts and engage youth in meaningful ways to become social change makers in their communities,” he said. later, Ambassador Nicolas presented the trophies and prizes to the winning team and the runner-ups.
It is pertinent to mention here that Ambassador Galey’s wife Cameila has been a driving force behind the success of the event. Herself a national basketball player, Camelia trained the girls and described their talent of international standards. They only need grooming, training, encouragement and opportunities.
