Noorin Gulam: Inspiring Muslim Girls in Sport as a Commonwealth Hopeful

Team England weightlifter Noorin Gulam aspires to serve as a role model for young Muslim girls, striving to dismantle the barriers she encountered as an emerging athlete. The 30-year-old, hailing from Hayes in London, addressed students at Holte High School in Birmingham during National School Sports Week, an initiative that highlights the positive impact of regular exercise on young individuals.

Engaging Young Athletes at Holte High School

As part of the activities at Holte High, where Muslim girls were encouraged to participate in sports, Gulam took a break from her final preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, set to commence in Glasgow in less than three weeks. Outside of her athletic pursuits, Gulam works as a brand manager and expressed her commitment to promoting sports among Muslims, a demographic she believes is significantly underrepresented in the sporting world.

“It was incredibly important for me to engage in this event, advocating for sport among Muslims,” she remarked. “As a Muslim woman, I found it quite challenging to navigate the world of sports, particularly when faced with barriers from both my family and the community. It is often only after achieving a certain level of success that you begin to receive support.”

Gulam emphasised the necessity of grassroots initiatives, crediting her school for providing the necessary facilities, equipment, and coaching that enabled her to pursue her passion. “Without the support of my school, I would not be where I am today,” she stated. “In my family, sport was not regarded as a priority or a viable pursuit, especially during my formative years. While financial limitations were a factor, there was also a lack of understanding regarding the benefits of sport. I have often found myself balancing my passion for athletics against my academic and career aspirations.”

The Importance of Sport for Muslim Women

Having discovered weightlifting during her GCSE Physical Education lessons at Barnhill Community High in Hayes, Gulam articulated her belief in the significance of promoting sports to Muslim women, a group she perceives as underrepresented. “In today’s digital era, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for health and fitness,” she noted. “This is particularly pressing as we live in a time where physical movement is often minimised.”

She further highlighted the unique role women play in society, stating, “For women, exercise is even more essential. With responsibilities such as raising children, being fit and healthy allows us to care for ourselves and those around us. Additionally, exercise fosters confidence, aiding us in overcoming challenges and presenting ourselves to the world. When combined with one’s faith, the two can create a powerful synergy.”

A Summer of Sport and Community Initiatives

This year marks the fourth consecutive partnership between the initiative and Sports Direct, with the Everlast brand also contributing to the campaign, fronted by boxing star Conor Benn. The campaign, themed around ‘This Summer of Sport’, coincides with significant global events, including the men’s football World Cup, the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, and Wimbledon, offering a unique opportunity to inspire a new generation to engage in sports.

Throughout the week, participating schools will host a variety of events, supported by complimentary, inclusive, and adaptable resources. These include a Commonwealth Games circuit, retro playground games, football-themed activities, and a boxing-themed circuit inspired by Conor Benn. Additionally, 500 equipment packs will be distributed to schools that registered for participation, ensuring that all young people have the chance to enjoy sporting activities, particularly those who may lack access outside of school.

Supporting Young People Through Physical Education

In collaboration with Everlast, Sports Direct has also donated 65 sports bras valued at nearly £2,000 to the school, supporting the breast health of female students. Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, echoed Gulam’s sentiments, asserting the necessity of prioritising physical education to better prepare young individuals for life beyond school. “Society requires PE and sports lessons now more than ever,” Oliver stated. “Mental wellbeing, alongside the development of life and employability skills, poses a significant challenge for young people transitioning from school. We must ensure that students attending PE lessons feel empowered and have the freedom to connect with their environment through fun and engaging activities.”

The Youth Sport Trust is a leading charity in the UK dedicated to enhancing young people’s wellbeing through sport and play. Established in 1995, it collaborates with approximately 20,000 schools, inspiring change-makers to foster a sense of belonging among children. Its vision is to create a future where every child can experience the transformative benefits of sport and play. For further ideas, tips, and information, visit the Youth Sport Trust’s official website.