Surprising Myself Through Sport

Shahed Ahmad Alkhateeb, Qatar

Shahed Alkhateeb is a Software Engineer who is passionate about photography. As part of the GOALS program, Shahed shares the impact that volunteering with Generation Amazing Foundation has had on her sporting journey.

I was often the only girl playing sports at school, so it was just me and the PE teacher. I went to a small school where the culture of sports was not reinforced, likely because there just was not much opportunity. I started with swimming and self-taught gymnastics in middle school, transitioning to a fondness for football in high school, although my skills were admittedly limited. 

I look back fondly thinking about how my teacher was always cheering me on and was proud of me. Her support made me believe in myself during my swimming and gymnastics days, often acknowledging and encouraging my sporting endeavors when I was the sole participant and felt nervous and alone. To go to a competition, I would leave the class alone and come back alone. I did not have anyone who could relate to my thoughts. 

Capturing Moments 

My name is Shahed and I am 23 years old. I am of Jordanian and Palestinian descent and was born and raised in Qatar. I graduated from Qatar University in 2023 with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering Project Management. Currently, I am employed as an Associate AI Engineer/Software Engineer to help organizations make informed decisions. The constant innovation in the AI field means that I am always learning something new in this cutting-edge industry. 

Beyond my professional pursuits, I am passionate about photography, culture, and the simple joys of life. I have always loved capturing moments and feelings, so photography has been particularly special to me.

Playing with different perspectives and media is what continually inspires me, even as my photography transforms. I used to prefer scenic and landscape photography, but now I have tried to capture emotions and feelings in my photographs. While I still prefer to be behind the lens, I do not mind being in front of the camera as much as I used to when I started. 

Out Of My Comfort Zone

During university, I delved into volunteering, contributing to the organization of sports events like the Arab Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. My volunteering journey launched in November 2020, when I was feeling so helpless after the COVID-19 lockdown. I needed to get out into the world. I joined Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) to help organize local events and found myself in a volunteering circle where I joined more groups. Through this first event, I made friends for life.

My favorite part about volunteering is meeting new people and making connections with like-minded individuals. Through volunteering, I learned that I am an extrovert which surprised me because I always thought that I was not a people person and preferred to stay in my comfort zone. Volunteering pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I discovered another side of my personality that I never knew existed because I actually loved being around people.

I also participated with the Generation Amazing Foundation, where I refereed local school games as part of my role. Generation Amazing is a non-profit organization that aims to achieve positive social change and youth empowerment through sports. I joined in 2021 as a youth advocate because I wanted to make a positive change in my community. Believing in doing good and passing on that goodness, the organization aligns with my commitment to fostering positive transformations.

Refereeing was challenging for me because I had never done it before and I was still learning the rules of the different games. I felt really self-conscious and nervous, but my approach was to not overthink it and remember that everyone wants to have fun in the end!

My favorite memory with Generation Amazing was going to Festival23 in Australia during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. I was able to bond with other youth advocates against the backdrop of beautiful scenery. We hiked Palm Beach together, and while I struggled because I was not very fit at the time, it was worth it for the view at the top. 

Sweating It Out

Engaging in sports serves as a stress reliever, keeping me physically active and mentally rested. Through sports, I find a safe space to let thoughts leave my body and my head and just sweat it out. I have started running recently, and it makes me feel like I am on top of the world when I run on the wide empty ground. I feel free and I always feel better than when I started. It has become an essential outlet for stress, contributing significantly to my overall well-being.

I want to prove to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to so the challenge and mental focus of sports has kept me motivated. I am signed up to run a 5K race in 2024, and even though I do not have any experience with running, I am committed to working towards the start line.

Sport holds empowering significance for women in my community. Overcoming stereotypes and societal barriers, the presence of dedicated spaces like ladies’ sports evenings and gyms allows women the comfortability and freedom to pursue their interests. For me, it is important because it symbolizes breaking gender norms and fostering inclusivity.

The landscape for women and girls in sports has seen positive changes following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Increased facilities, heightened awareness, and a surge in opportunities have transformed challenges into avenues for growth and enjoyment. I have seen now that my community is opening up to the idea of women in sports through their encouragement and pride in us. There are also more female coaches than there have been in the past, which is a positive sign. The future for women in sports appears bright, with the trajectory already showcasing prominent female athletes in Qatar. 

Generation Changemaker

Every day, I strive to become a better version of myself.  I aspire to provide education, community, and career development opportunities for the less fortunate, particularly focusing on youth. I traveled to Jordan in 2022 and visited Al Baqaa Refugee camp, where Generation Amazing had built a sports center as a social development initiative. 

I will never forget meeting a little girl named Khawla, who joined the center after her father passed away from a heart attack. Understandably, it was a hard time for her but she found joy in playing football and handball with her friends in the morning before school. Sports helped her cope, even at such a young age.

Recognizing the younger generation as changemakers, I believe in facilitating opportunities that can shape a positive future.