Activist urges Olympic ban of Saudis until nation allows women to compete
(NEWSER) - Head-to-toe Muslim veils like burkas and abayas make exercise difficult. But an even bigger obstacle is nations that see exercise for women as immodest and even illegal. Physical activity is forbidden in Saudi Arabia’s state-run girls’ schools, notes the New York Times . But debate over the issue has been ignited since a young Saudi equestrienne, competing at her own expense, brought home a bronze medal in the Youth Olympic Games, marking the first time any Saudi woman has ever participated in an international sports event. “The freedom to practice sports and to exercise is such a very basic issue," said Saudi dissident Ali al-Ahmed. The Olympic Charter states that “the practice of sport is a human right," he added. More»
