Saudi college to allow girls' sports classes for the first time

Nov 28, 2007, 12:39 GMT

Riyadh - For the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, a college is pioneering the introduction of physical education classes for some of its female students, the head of the college said on Wednesday.

The sports classes will be part of a health education course for female freshmen students, Khalifa bin Saba, the director of the University College of Jubayl told al-Watan newspaper.

Girls' schools in the conservative kingdom do not offer physical education classes and many privately-owned gyms and pools are off limits to women.

So are walking trails in Saudi cities.

Hajir al-Sharhan, a college student, said the new course entailed theoretical lessons in nutrition and physical movements, which were followed by a practical application in the gym.

The students are graded on their performance in running, standing on one leg and pushing exercises, al-Sharhan said.

'The classes made education more enjoyable,' al-Shahran noted.

But girls have to ensure their sports gear is decent and covers their bodies, she said.

The classes have contributed to high attendance thanks to the spirit of enthusiasm and fun they added, another student, Azba al- Jayan explained.

The kingdom's clergy embracing the radical Wahhabi interpretation of Islam cautions against introducing physical education in girls' schools.

They argue that girls should not disrobe outside their homes as changing in locker rooms may cause them to lose their morals.

The introduction of sports to girls' schools was raised in the Consultative Council a few years ago, but its opponents argued that sports in boys' schools did not have any effect on rampant male obesity.