HAIL — The School Sports Union, created by a Cabinet decision this November to develop school sports, will not allow girl students in public schools to have physical education classes like the ones offered at private schools, informed sources told Makkah daily. The union has instead approved the introduction of a theoretical subject on healthy lifestyles and nutrition in the girls' curriculum. The issue of sports in girls' schools was discussed in the Shoura Council but did not muster enough votes. The union claimed that the delay to introduce sports for female students was due to a “close-minded group, which aims to stall any societal advancement and stifle change with or without the religious backing.” Sports writer Turki Al-Sudairy said the union has delayed the decision for too long. “I hope the union is not full of misogynists who neglect women's sports. Sports in girls' schools should be one of its top priorities. The school is the safest and most nurturing place to teach a child the importance of sports in their lives. The matter should endure no more delays as it is a girl's basic human right,” he said. “When the mother is knowledgeable about sports, exercise and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, this will benefit the upbringing of her children. We should ignore the close-minded people as it is them who in the past had stood against women's education, the introduction of television and many other innovations,” said Al-Sudairy. Saleh Al-Osaimi, a faculty member at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University, disagreed with Al-Sudairy. He claimed the religion forbids women from taking part in sports. “Sports for women will have educational, ethical and economic consequences. Moreover, it is against the modesty and chastity of a Muslim woman. As for those who argue that sports have health benefits for girls, this is not true. The gymnasium class is only for one hour, of which 30 minutes are wasted on preparations. So, how will 15 minutes of gym be beneficial to a girl's health?” He also said obesity is more common among boys than girls, which proves that gym classes hardly play a role in improving health. “Girls can have a theoretical subject teaching them how to maintain their health,” said Al-Osaimi. Shoura member Abdulwahid Al-Hamid said sports in girls' schools is an educational, health and psychological necessity. “Why is it that only in Saudi Arabia, a woman cannot exercise and take part in sports? Discrimination against women is no longer acceptable. The blame should be put on the concerned authority for its indecisiveness regarding the issue,” said Al-Hamid. Physical therapist Huda Al-Suaib said introducing sports for women is a necessity and not something that can be negotiated. “I do support the introduction of sports in girls' school although it has always been there in private schools. Exercise has vital physical and psychological benefits. Sports are a good way to mobilize blood circulation and lessen the risk of breast cancer. Aerobics are a good way to exercise along with swimming, walking, cycling and other exercises,” said Al-Suaib.
