Meanwhile, a GPYW source said the government department is to establish five women sports centers by 2011 in the Kingdom’s main cities. Another source, however, debunked the claim and said women sports centers do not figure high on the GPYW’s agenda.
Conservative elements in the Kingdom, which not only include men but also women, are reluctant to endorse the establishment of sports centers for women. These people feel such venues encourage young girls to venture out from their homes for reasons they feel are unnecessary.
Umm Abdullah, a 38-year-old mother of three, feels strongly against women sports centers. “It is a waste of time and religiously unacceptable for a girl to leave home for anything apart from education or work,” she said.
“A woman’s place is the home. It is more important for her to look after her kids and husband. Don’t tell me obesity is increasing — working at home gives her all the energy she needs,” she said.
Salha, a 42-year-old diabetic, agrees with Umm Abdullah. She said there are other ways to stay physically fit instead of going to places where music is being played and women are dressed improperly.
However, Salwa, a 28-year-old physician who has been struggling with her obesity for the past few years, said she feels irritated at opinions which undermine those who advocate the establishment of sports center for women.
“I work hard, yet most of my activity is mental. I still need some physical exercise to enhance my fitness, physical ability and health, and lose weight. These are the main reasons why I want to go to a sports center,” she said. She added that the private female sports centers that exist in the Kingdom are unaffordable for many people.
Manal, 20, said many young girls would prefer to go to government sports centers for women. “I pay a lot of money to go to a private gym; I pay such s hefty amount because I simply don’t have a choice,” said Manal, who joined the gym along with her younger sister and mother.
Umm Sameera also supports the establishment of sports centers for women under the GPYW. She, however, hoped these centers do not have the same rigid regulations as private ones. “I have two daughters aged 12 and 13. I can’t take them with me to the gym as those under 17 years of age are not allowed to enter,” she said, adding that other places charge a huge amount of money.
She also said having a well-organized and supervised place where a mother and daughter can go and spend time together would be great.
Diabetes consultant Dr. Badr Al-Mutair said there are three reasons behind diabetes — laziness, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating. He added that according to some medical experts, the percentage of diabetes in the Kingdom — known as the silent killer — will reach 40 percent in 2020.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, the Kingdom has the third highest rate of diabetes in the world.
