Volleyball training session held for young women

Over 40 students learn importance of teamwork, inclusivity at US Consulate event

KARACHI: The United States (US) consul general Grace Shelton engaged with young Pakistani women in a sports diplomacy event at a volleyball clinic at her residence on Wednesday afternoon.

"Although it's an informal training session, such experiences are helpful in building relations with different countries," said an A-Levels student at Dawood Public School (DPS), Maria Khan. She believed that such activities are vital in bringing Pakistan and the US closer.

Overall, the event was a great experience where I was able to mingle with the US consul general and other Americans in a candid manner, said Khan.



The front garden of the pre-partition mansion was divided into two volleyball courts, where the young women jogged for two to three rounds and then started a short flexibility routine before learning volleyball techniques for beginners. Shelton also participated in the training session and encouraged the young women to learn the sport.

More than 40 young women from DPS, Shelton and the female staff of the consulate participated in the activity. Volleyball coaches Farah Sarfaraz, Nouma Faridi and Fozia Naz from the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) trained the girls about the basic rules and regulations of the game.

Shelton, a sports enthusiast, stated that volleyball requires teamwork. The US consulate in Karachi organises sports diplomacy events to promote friendly relations and increased understanding between Pakistanis and Americans, added Shelton, while explaining the purpose of the event. She also thanked the PVF for arranging coaches for the event.

"Just as volleyball teams need players with different skill sets, such as bumping, setting and spiking, communities need people with different backgrounds, expertise and perspectives," said Shelton, adding that volleyball shows us the importance of teamwork and inclusivity.



"Such cross-cultural events give people opportunities to learn something from each other," said a young student, Radhia Shafi, adding that such activities are not only a learning experience, but can also strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Another DPS student, Yusra Altaf, termed the session an interesting event where she was able to meet various people. According to her, such events should keep on happening to create cross-cultural interaction.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2016.