Local Editor, 11-1-2010

Women’s Society Organization “Ala’a” opened a “women only” sports club in Hay Abyad - Ruwais, in the presence of the organization’s Women’s Bodies Official Ms Khadija Salloum, the respective spouses of the Minister of Agriculture, MP Dr. Hassan Fadlallah and MP Hassan Hoballah, as well as a host of women’s organizations.

The club includes an outdoor garden, a playground of international standards, and an entertainment and games hall (tennis, badminton, soccer, billiards and tug of war).

The inner section includes a café and space to accommodate sports tournaments and trainings in volleyball, handball, basketball, table tennis and fitness.

In the opening ceremony, Ms. Khadija Salloum confirmed the goals of the project stating, “This project forms a part of our vision and efforts to raise women’s participation in society and develop their competencies in all areas.”

She added: “Opening this center is a translation of that vision, concerned mainly with physical education and creating the opportunity for women to achieve and gain an essential role in society, to contribute to society’s success and progress through instilling qualities of a sense of will, order and cooperation. “

Salloum said “The specialty of this club is that it is women’s par excellence. It provides all the comforts and privacy for female sports while observing all Shari’ah codes." Adding “It should be noted that this is only one step preceding further steps and other projects in this framework.”
Hajja Salloum closed by thanking all those who contributed in the opening of this center.
The Club Director Ms. Malak Shahin also gave a word explaining the club’s objectives, equipment and sports.

The club will be available for all women –of different ages- with programs set that fit all of them, as there will be training classes according to age categories.
Proffessional trainers will be available all day long to coach club members, who can enroll for inexpensive prices.

The project is the first of its kind in Beirut, and further facisilites are under construction that include relaxation and rejuvenation facilities, in addition to other sports activities that will be ready soon for the public.