Two Heartbeats, One Game: Annabel Ayres balancing sport and motherhood in the UGC
Sport has a way of intertwining with life in the most unexpected ways. For Annabel Ayres, representing the Tristar Gladiators for the second successive year in the Ultimate Golf Challenge, this season carries a deeper meaning—because this time, she's playing for two.
'There's two of us out there,' Annabel says with a smile, gently resting a hand on her growing baby bump. Pregnancy may have changed some things, but it hasn't held her back on the course.
A seasoned golfer with 27 years of experience playing around the world, Annabel has called Dubai home for the last nine years. She plays off an 8 handicap and thrives in the team format of the UGC. 'I look forward to it every year,' she says. 'This year's format is different from last year, but I still love the team element.'
Her playing partner, Genie Owiti, is both a source of laughter and support. 'She can still hit a long ball even though she's expecting!' Genie jokes. The duo takes a simple approach to every round: focus on one shot at a time, keep a positive attitude, and enjoy the game—no matter what.
Annabel admits she was a little nervous about competing while pregnant, but once she stepped onto the course at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for Round 1 of the tournament, any lingering doubts faded. 'People might wonder how a pregnant woman can compete, but there's no reason why I shouldn't keep going,' she says.
And she's right.
Elite athletes have long proven that pregnancy doesn't mean pausing their sporting careers. In 2015, a panel of experts convened by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) studied the effects of pregnancy on high-performance athletes. Their research, published in 2016, affirmed that women can safely train and compete, provided they listen to their bodies and make necessary adjustments.
Annabel is living proof that sport and motherhood can thrive together, each strengthening the other.
In Round 2 of the UGC at the Emirates Golf Club's Faldo Course Annabel and Genie combined for an impressive 44 points, a testament to their commitment, teamwork and steady mindset. 'We practised together as much as we could before the event, and on the day, we took it hole by hole, shot by shot,' Annabel explains.
The Ultimate Golf Challenge is fiercely competitive yet welcoming, and Annabel values the camaraderie it fosters. 'It's a really well-organized tournament, and the support is fantastic. It's friendly, but don't be mistaken—it's competitive.'
For Annabel, golf is more than a sport. It keeps her fit, keeps her focused, and above all, keeps her feeling like herself. 'I want to do my best for the team,' she says. 'Pregnancy doesn't change that.'
Our team wouldn't be where it is without the unwavering support of our owners, Mukesh Kochhar and Eugene Mayne, along with our mentor, Dev Kurup. Their encouragement and belief in us have made all the difference.
Her story is one of resilience, joy, and the seamless connection between life and sport. Annabel is playing for two now, proving that motherhood and athleticism are by no means separate paths—they're just different parts of the same remarkable journey of life.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development to Deliver United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals
The Youth Charter ( a pioneering social legacy organisation dedicated to sport for development and peace, has issued a statement urging greater cohesion, accountability, and youth inclusion in the global delivery of sport-based initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the outcomes of the recent IOC 355 Sustainability Summit, the Youth Charter welcomed the ambition and progress presented through the IOC's Olympism365 programme, with over 550 projects across 175 countries. However, the Charter emphasised that meaningful impact can only be achieved through unified action, public transparency, and intergenerational collaboration. 'Potential alone is not progress. The Olympic Movement must now shift from vision to delivery—co-creating with youth, investing in communities, and reporting with integrity,' said Geoff Thompson, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. Key Observations Highlighted in the Youth Charter Response: Leadership without Local Alignment: Only 10% of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have public sustainability strategies, revealing a critical gap between global vision and national implementation. Lack of Transparent Reporting: The IOC has not released a sustainability report since 2019. Without annual, independent reporting, public trust and measurable accountability are compromised. Safeguarding&Mental Health: Positive strides were announced, but implementation at scale—particularly in the Global South—remains inconsistent and underfunded. Non-binding Targets: The withdrawal of Brisbane 2032's 'climate positive' goal raises urgent questions about the enforceability of sustainability commitments. Absence of Youth Voice: Despite sport's potential to empower young people, youth were largely absent from the Summit's strategic focus and decision-making platforms. Youth Charter Global Call 2 Action – Five-Point Plan: Unified SDG Framework: Embed the UN SDGs across all Olympic bodies with measurable targets and community accountability. Annual Impact Reporting: Commit to public, independent sustainability reporting across all levels of the Olympic Movement. Youth and Community Engagement Taskforce: Establish a cross-sector platform to amplify youth voice in strategy, delivery, and evaluation. Local Ecosystem Collaboration: Strengthen links between NOCs and local education, health, and community networks to ensure inclusive implementation. Investment in Social Legacy Infrastructure: Redirect long-term funding into community-based sport infrastructure, youth employment, and safeguarding systems. 'Young people are not just spectators or beneficiaries. They are the change-makers. The time has come to engage them as equal partners in shaping sport's global impact,' added Thompson. As the world prepares for Paris 2024 and looks toward the final phase of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Youth Charter is calling on the IOC, National Olympic Committees, and all sport stakeholders to recommit to the true spirit of Olympism —as a force for health, peace, equity, and sustainable change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #InternationalOlympicCommittee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Thrilling finishes and stellar play mark EGC's Ladies Monthly Medalford competition
Emirates Golf Club welcomed 37 lady members of the latest edition of its Ladies Monthly Medalford Competition, held on the iconic Majlis Course and proudly supported by Nikki Beach Dubai Resort & Spa. The event featured impressive performances across all divisions, with several standout rounds and closely contested finishes. Won Jeong Lee claimed top honours in the Silver A Division, delivering a composed and consistent round to finish with a net score of 68 (-4). Her front nine was particularly strong, with five net birdies on holes 1, 4, 5, 8, and 9. Glory Xavier, a veteran who plays in the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC), secured the runner-up position with a net 73, prevailing on countback. Her round was highlighted by an excellent back nine, including a net eagle on the 10th, followed by birdies on holes 12 and 18. Apoorva Gandhi took third place, also with a net 73, after a strong start that featured net birdies on holes 4 and 8. The Best Gross Score of the day went to Jayshree Gupta, who returned a solid gross 79. Her steady play across the course was a model of consistency. Delaney Leigh captured the Silver B title with a net 70 (-2), bolstered by three net birdies on the front nine at holes 2, 4, and 6. Haide Wright followed closely behind with a net 71 (-1). Her strong back nine included birdies on holes 12, 13, and 17, securing the runner-up spot. Wendy Robinson placed third with a net 75, also decided by countback. Her performance was highlighted by a net eagle on hole 12 and a run of three birdies on 14, 15, and 16. In the Bronze Division, Janice Adey led the field with a net 70 (-2), recording birdies on holes 1, 4, 5, and 9, along with a net eagle on hole 2. Veronika Podgorsek claimed second place with a net 71, also determined on countback. She impressed on the front nine with birdies on holes 2, 3, 5, and 9, and an eagle on the challenging 8th. Chantelle De Villiers finished third, also with a net 71, starting her round strongly with net eagles on holes 1 and 7, and a birdie on the 3rd. Maura Duggan, a member of The A Team in the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) produced the top Stableford performance of the day, finishing with 37 points, highlighted by five net birdies on the front nine, including holes 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Zawya
Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans as Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify
With less than a year and a half until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 ( begin, the seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s ( Coordination Commission marked another key milestone in Games planning. The two-day hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the latest progress in Dakar 2026 preparations. Newly appointed Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange ( IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry ( and an IOC delegation participated on-site in Dakar, while other Commission members joined remotely – including IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, who has played a pivotal role in the leadership and direction of the Commission from its early stages and has recently been named Vice-Chair. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Africa's first Olympic sporting event, with a strong focus on operational success and a lasting legacy for the Senegalese youth. The meeting opened with a video message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the progress made by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and underlined the unique significance of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil. 'We all know that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be truly special,' he said. 'Dakar 2026 will be a moment for Africa to shine on the global stage. Dakar 2026 will welcome young athletes from around the world to celebrate sport, culture and the legendary Senegalese spirit of teranga.' Learning Academy launches first cohort A central highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy ( – a flagship initiative designed to train and recruit over 400 young professionals aged 21 to 35 in the lead-up to the Games. This structured programme equips participants with essential skills in Games management and operations, enabling them to support the Organising Committee, while building long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Venue master plan finalised as works progress The Coordination Commission welcomed the finalisation of the Dakar 2026 venue master plan, which now includes confirmation of the road cycling route. The race will start and finish along Dakar's scenic Corniche Ouest, providing a vivid and iconic backdrop. Significant construction progress has also been reported across key venues, enhancing overall venue readiness. Comprehensive planning across Games operations In addition to people management, legacy and venues, the Coordination Commission reviewed progress across all functional areas, including technology, ticketing, Games services, marketing, security, athlete education and youth engagement. Progress has been made since the last Commission meeting in November 2024. The Commission emphasised the importance of transitioning towards a more operational and delivery-focused approach, with the YOGOC evolving into its Games-time structure. Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, said: 'With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. These past two days have been incredibly valuable, filled with constructive exchanges that have helped us build a clear picture of where we stand. The momentum that's been built gives us confidence as we move forward towards delivering extraordinary Games for Africa.' Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, also reflected on the progress made and the strengthened commitment from all stakeholders: 'By the end of this 7th meeting, the Coordination Commission, led by its new Chair, Humphrey Kayange, had seen and welcomed the considerable progress made in the various areas related to the YOG Dakar 2026 preparations, and observed that the stage is set for memorable YOG on African soil. It was heartening to hear IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry's re-affirmed commitment to supporting our project. This is an additional reason for the OCOG teams and all the national stakeholders to feel motivated and engaged. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026 that has been present so far is evident once again.' Corniche de Dakar to host Espace Let's Move Plans were also shared for the Corniche de Dakar, which will serve as the main hub for celebration and youth engagement during Dakar 2026. This iconic coastal stretch will host Espace Let's Move, a vibrant zone featuring engagement sports alongside a comprehensive programme of cultural, educational and interactive activities. Organised in partnership with national federations and local stakeholders, the area will offer sports demonstrations, health and nutrition workshops and activations promoting the Olympic values. Live entertainment and local food stalls will help create an inclusive, festival-like atmosphere that welcomes young people and families into the heart of the Games experience. Dakar en Jeux 2025 to celebrate youth, sport and Olympic values Looking ahead, the Dakar en Jeux Festival will return later this year for its fourth and final edition before the YOG. Taking place from 3 to 9 November 2025, the festival will once again bring together sport, culture, education and health in a dynamic week-long celebration that reflects the spirit and values of the Games. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC). About International Olympic Committee: The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
