At the Uqasha Imran Foundation, we believe that every young girl has a “champion within” waiting to be discovered. Our mission is to remove the financial and social barriers that keep girls on the sidelines, providing them with the tools to excel in sport and, ultimately, in life.
Uqasha lived her life with a “hunger that never stopped.” Whether she was on the Taekwondo mat, cycling through the capital, or in the swimming pool, she used physical activity to build the mental fortitude that made her a leader. We are dedicated to helping other young girls follow in those same footsteps.
Why Swimming, Cycling, and Martial Arts?
We focus our support on these three areas because they represent the core of Uqasha’s lifestyle and offer unique benefits for a young girl’s development:
Cycling (The Independence): Cycling was one of Uqasha’s great joys. It represents freedom, exploration, and health. We aim to provide equipment and opportunities for girls to discover the independence that comes with being active outdoors.
Martial Arts (The Discipline): More than just self-defence, martial arts like Taekwondo instil a deep sense of respect, focus, and inner strength. We support girls in mastering their bodies and minds, helping them build the confidence to stand tall in any environment.
Swimming (The Resilience): Swimming requires immense individual dedication and mental toughness. By supporting girls in the pool, we help them learn the value of “personal bests”—pushing through physical limits to achieve goals that once seemed out of reach.
How We Support Individual Girls
The foundation is not just about sport; it is about equity. We recognise that for many families, the costs of high-level competition can be prohibitive. The Uqasha Imran Foundation steps in to provide:
Mentorship and Gear: Providing essential equipment, from swimming kits to martial arts uniforms (doboks), so every girl feels prepared and professional from day one.
Financial Sponsorship: Covering registration fees, club memberships, and coaching for girls who show passion but lack the means.
Tournament & Travel Grants: We help with the costs of transport and accommodation for regional, national, and international competitions, ensuring that talent—not bank balances—determines a girl’s success.
From the Mat to the Boardroom
Statistics show that 94% of women in C-suite leadership roles played competitive sports in their youth. By supporting a girl in sport today, we are investing in a future leader, a focused professional, and a resilient member of our community.
We aren’t just teaching girls how to kick, swim, or ride; we are teaching them how to win with humility, lose with grace, and always get back up. That was the Uqasha way, and through this foundation, it is the legacy we leave for every girl in Canberra.
“Her purpose in life is not lost with her. Through this foundation, her passion for healthy activities and helping others lives on.” — The Imran Family
