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City Academy students receive new sports hijabs
The Sweaty Betty foundation has donated 50 sports hijabs to girls at City Academy Bristol with the aim of encouraging more girls to take part in sports.
The hijabs were donated in November. The students tried them out with a game of football.
Only 47.2 per cent of children and young people in the UK are classed as active, with girls less likely to be active than boys.
is needed now More than ever
Fear of judgement, difficulty in accessing kit and safety concerns are among the barriers of entry to sports for young girls.
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Sweaty Betty’s sports hijabs were developed in partnership with This Girl Can Leeds and sports activist Lipa Nessa.
Each hijab has a strap inside that secures the garment for high-intensity activity.
Hardeep Konsal, head of inclusion at City Academy, said: “Even for students who don’t participate in PE or physical activity, but still need something comfortable and practical for all-day wear, the hijabs have been well-received for their comfort, fit, breathability and style.”
Design notes for Sweaty Betty’s sports hijab – photo: Sweaty Betty
Dr Norah El-Gohary, a teaching fellow in psychology and Muslim chaplain at Bath Spa University, said: “My vision and dream finally came true today when these young Muslim girls experienced what it’s like playing sports in a sports hijab, experiencing that freedom to completely embrace the game without having to worry about anything getting in the way.
“In a time where there is a significant rise in Islamophobia in our community, this brings me hope. I look forward to a brighter future for Muslim females in sports.”
According to a report by the Muslimah Sports Association, there has been ‘slow progress’ in breaking down barriers for Muslim women in sport.
This is partly due to lack of adequate sports facilities and attire.
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Afsana Lachaux, director of the Sweaty Betty Foundation, said: “The right sports kit can make all the difference.
“With 52 per cent of girls feeling self-conscious in their PE kit, it’s clear that inclusive and comfortable clothing can significantly boost confidence and participation in sport and physical activity.
“Every girl, regardless of her background, deserves the joy of movement.”
Main photo: City Academy Bristol
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