Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Abu Dhabi is known for playing the perfect host to international events, and so it decided to showcase women in two sports at the forefront at this time of the year.
As part of the third NBA Abu Dhabi Games in basketball, Women’s NBA (WNBA) player Sylvia Fowles took time out to check out motorsport at the Yas Marina Circuit, which will stage the Formula 1 season climax, as always for the past decade, in December.
Two-time WNBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medallist Fowles was taken on a high-speed lap by Amna Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati female racing driver.
Fowles got behind the wheel and expressed her excitement after the high-octane experience: “I love fast cars, so having this opportunity was amazing, especially being alongside a talented female driver like Amna. She’s really good at what she does.”
Reflecting on the similarities between playing basketball and driving, Fowles highlighted the importance to keep focus: “The biggest similarity is the training – it’s brutal. To be the best, you need to be consistent and great at your job. A fraction of a second can make a huge difference, just like in basketball.”
Praising the organisers, Fowles said: “My time here has been amazing, really wonderful. They truly aim to please here in Abu Dhabi. It’s always fun when people who love sports come together, and it’s great to see sports bringing people together from around the world.
“I’ve heard about the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and definitely want to visit. I’m also a big fan of art, so I’m looking forward to visiting the [Louvre] art museum as well.”
Fowles was part of a session titled “Her Time to Play” at the Etihad Arena over the weekend dedicated to the young girls. When asked about women’s empowerment and the collaboration between basketball and motorsports, Fowles had a plenty of admiration for Al Qubaisi.
“She’s amazing. I was telling her she should start teaching young women how to drive. It’s inspiring to see what women are capable of, and now that they have more opportunities to showcase their talent here in the Middle East, it’s only going to make the world a better place. Being her passenger for the first time, I wasn’t scared at all.”
Al Qubaisi reciprocated her feelings for Fowles, saying: “She definitely has some driving skills, and it was really nice overall. It was my first time attending an NBA game, and I really enjoyed it. It’s full of entertainment, and it’s different from being on the track. Everything is right in front of you, which was great.”
