Words of greeting and Welcome Delivered by

MRS. FAEZEH HASHEMI

PRESIDENT FOR THE FIRST ISLAMIC COUNTRIES WOMEN'S SPORTS SOLIDARITY GAMES

IN THE NAME OF GOD

Athletes, coaches, and dear Guests. The Islamic Countries' Women Sports Solidarity congress held in 1992 was the first step toward realizing an assembly of learned women, directors of women sports of the Muslim countries who gathered here to exchange ideas and decide over the manner of organizing sports competitions amongst women of the Islamic States and with a view to strengthening the existing ties of solidarity.

The second endeavor made by such an assembly, in addition to other beneficial consequences, bore fruit by their decision to organize the 1st Women Sports Games of the Islamic Countries.

It is now my pleasure and honor to host in my Country in conjunction with the Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution, many women athletes from the Islamic Revolution, many women athletes from the Islamic Countries in Asia, Africa and from the Arabic Region.

Taking a glance at the history of participation of women in the sports scenes particularly at the time of antiquity and ancient Olympics, we come to this belief that it has always been by an through the efforts of women themselves that their rights and legitimate wishes were respected. In order to prove our rightfulness and with regard to our participation in social and sports activities, we Muslim women have no intention whatsoever to resemble men. We practice sport because it guarantees our health and grants us joy and strength, but not at the cost of damaging reverence and sanctities.

Praise be to Allah who bestowed upon women honor and grandeur so much so that such great women as Eve, Assieh, Maryam, Khadija, Fatima and Zeinab (peace be upon them all) had still have enormous part in the revival and betterment of women in the World. Having regard tot he divine nobility and greatness, we---Muslim women---value our unification and shall always endeavor to strengthen our solidarity. On behalf of the Islamic Countries' Women Sports Solidarity Council and of the Organizing Committee of the First Women Sports Games, I would like to welcome you, athletes, coaches and officials

of the participating teams to this edition of the event and hope that our competition, which is representation of the novel character and true identity of women, would materialize as far as possible the true ideals of women and would serve as pattern to be followed by all the freedom--lovers women of the world so as to enable them preserve their nobility and grandeur.

In concluding, it is my heart felt wish to see you all in good health and success. I hope that you will all take back home with you unforgettable memories and that you will help develop and promote physical education and sport amongst women of the Islamic Countries.