Obama applauds Muslim women Olympians
First time in Olympic history every team from a Muslim majority country now includes women as well, says Obama.
WASHINGTON:
US President Barack Obama celebrated women athletes from Muslim nations who are making their debut in the Olympics as he marked the holy month of Ramazan on Saturday.
“Here in America, we are incredibly proud of Team USA,” Obama said, noting that a majority of the American delegation to the London Olympics were female.
“Also, for the very first time in Olympic history, every team now includes a woman athlete. One of the reasons is that every team from a Muslim majority country now includes women as well,” Obama said, at an annual iftar dinner grouping prominent members of the US Muslim community at the White House.
Among athletes making history in London was middle distance runner Sarah Attar who made history by becoming the first female to represent Saudi Arabia in Olympics track and field.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2012.
US President Barack Obama celebrated women athletes from Muslim nations who are making their debut in the Olympics as he marked the holy month of Ramazan on Saturday.
“Here in America, we are incredibly proud of Team USA,” Obama said, noting that a majority of the American delegation to the London Olympics were female.
“Also, for the very first time in Olympic history, every team now includes a woman athlete. One of the reasons is that every team from a Muslim majority country now includes women as well,” Obama said, at an annual iftar dinner grouping prominent members of the US Muslim community at the White House.
Among athletes making history in London was middle distance runner Sarah Attar who made history by becoming the first female to represent Saudi Arabia in Olympics track and field.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2012.