A public girls' school in the Eastern Province has introduced physical education to its students by installing basketball hoops for them to enjoy at break-time. The school in Al-Khobar thus has become the first public school to openly encourage sports for girls. “The school administration is hoping to raise more awareness about the benefits of sports among the students, as well as allowing them to partake in something beneficial and active,” said Amina Bu Bsheit, who is training the students at the school, was quoted by local media Wednesday. According to reports, the Ministry of Education will include sports facilities at girls' schools as part of the its development plan. However, nothing is confirmed yet. Rayan Karkadan, a health coach and co-founder of Mizan Health group, said it's a positive move. The public school has set an example. “We need examples because we don't have any precedents of girls playing sports in schools here.” he explained. Karkadan believes that introducing physical education in girls' schools was a must. “Games like basketball and football are entertaining and makes someone active but we also need to consider aerobics,” he said. However, despite the positive step taken by the Al-Khobar school, some might consider it against Islamic teachings. Karkadan believes that it's easy for people to criticize and post negative comments on the issue. “But everyone's opinions should be respected. We should try to explain to those against the idea the many benefits of physical education and the bad effects of obesity caused by the lack of physical activity,” he explained. Moreover, he said, it should be left to the girl students to decide whether to participate in games or not. Reema Abdullah, a sports broadcaster at Mix FM and a founder of the first female football team, applauded the public school initiative to start physical activities. “This is a promising step but before we get too excited, we need formal physical education classes, not only practical but also theoretical,” she said. Abdullah, however, is skeptical about other public schools taking the same step. “Private schools had PE since long ago but public schools have never taken the initiative,” she added. “Our society has to be given an official order to start something. Unless the Ministry of Education takes the lead no one will do anything about it,” she explained. Furthermore, Abdullah believes that the old generation lacks a genuine awareness about the importance of staying active and healthy. __
