How one female ice hockey player from the United Arab Emirates is living her dream

Story:

• The National Hockey League celebrated ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ in February, as a time for promoting inclusiveness and a positive environment for all–including both men and women.
• Fatima Al Ali, a 27-year-old United Arab Emirates native who plays for the UAE’s women’s national team, joined the festivities this year when former Washington Capitals star Peter Bondra surprised her with a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet and practice with her favorite NHL team.
• Al Ali began playing hockey only six years ago, but her skills have impressed both Bondra and Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. Back home, she also referees men’s games.
• “I hope that I can inspire enough people, or at least women. Have a dream, just go make it come true,” Al Ali said.

Class discussion questions:

1. Essential question: What are some of the challenges in standing up to cultural or gender stereotypes?
2. Where is Abu Dhabi? What do you know about the United Arab Emirates?
3. What was it about Al Ali’s story that struck former Washington Capitals player Peter Bondra?
4. Have you ever gone against the grain and set out to accomplish something that others thought you were not capable of doing?

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