The fact that sports and philanthropy have a similar power to bring people from all walks of life together, to stand behind a cause has been proven, once again, as the Sharjah Sports Club (SSC) signed a cooperation agreement today (October 15) with The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), a Sharjah-based global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide.

With the signing of the agreement, SSC has named TBHF as its Humantarianpartner. Under the agreement, SSC will be supporting and promoting all activities and messages that TBHF designs and implements in order to create a better future for refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) worldwide.

The sports club will popularize TBHF’s mission in all future charitable and humanitarian initiatives it undertakes. SSC will be carrying TBHF’s messages to sports fans by branding the Sharjah Football Club jersey’s sleeves with TBHF’s logo throughout the 2020-2021 sports season, which will also be seen on the club’s advertising materials. SSC will also support and mention TBHF’s initiatives across its website and social media platforms, and place advertisements of the Foundation on electronic screens surrounding football stadiums which hosts various competition matches, inviting fans to support TBHF’s humanitarian initiatives.

The agreement’s signatories, HE Ibrahim Mohammed Al Jarwan, Board Member of SSC; and HE Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of TBHF, signed the agreement at the Sharjah Sports Club – Al Hazanah, in the presence of HE Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman Of Board at SSC.

Welcoming the agreement, HE Ibrahim Mohammed Al Jarwan, Board Member of SSC, said: “We highly value the humanitarian achievements and sustainable projects of TBHF across the world, that reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of TBHF and Eminent Advocate of UNHCR, to restore safety, security and dignity in the lives of innocent people who have lost everything to war, crises or calamity.”

“Sharjah Sports Club aspires to be a strong supporter for TBHF as it continues with its key philanthropic activities, initiatives and campaigns. We view humanitarian work as a responsibility that demands the highest priority and we seek to present a unique model of active involvement in sustainable humanitarian efforts to promote social and cultural development across the region and the Arab world.” he added.

Hailing the step taken by SSC, HE Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of TBHF, noted: “We thank SSC for extending its valuable support to the projects and initiatives we implement worldwide to lessen the burden on displaced and disadvantaged populations. This partnership is a reinforcement of our message that humanitarian work is not limited to a certain sector, but a collective responsibility of individuals and institutions, which stems from a culture of giving nurtured by meaningful institutional programmes and partnerships like this one. There is no doubt that this collaboration will have a positive impact on TBHF’s efforts to reach a wider audience, given the popularity and status of SSC.”

“The partnership between TBHF and SSC is a reflection of Sharjah’s vision for the future of humanitarian work, which is based on partnership and integration of roles among a growing network of allies from different sectors. It also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of charitable work, as institutions and entities come together to mobilize the support of the public,” she added.