JOC SECRETARY GENERAL URGES YOUNG GIRLS TO BE LEADERS

The Secretary General of the Jordan Olympic Committee has delivered an inspiring message for young girls to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Lana Al Jaghbeer, the only female secretary general of an Asian or Arab National Olympic Committee, told a group of Year Nine girls from Um Al Hakam School, Amman, that "goals can be achieved through determination and persistence”.

Al Jaghbeer shared her experiences of rising through a male-dominated sports industry to become the first female secretary general of the JOC, and she encouraged the girls to chase their dreams too.

She also encouraged the girls to talk with their families about their aspirations in the hope that they too will share the ambition and support them as they develop into young women.

"Each one of you should decide your own goals along with your families and school. You have an important part in the development and progress of this country," she told them. "Believe in yourselves. A woman is no less of a person than a man and you too can succeed in any career to make a difference.”

The students asked Al Jaghbeer a number of questions following her speech, with the secretary general reassuring them that whatever obstacles stand in their way, they can be overcome.