23 November marked a significant milestone for Belfast's Muslim community, as the City of Belfast Archery Club generously hosted the city’s first Project Rimaya beginner’s course.
This exciting initiative, spearheaded by Marjan Abdelfattagh, a dedicated Archery GB ambassador and NI Academy member, (with help from mum, Heba) aimed to introduce archery to women and girls, fostering both physical and mental wellbeing.
Talks about a Project Rimaya beginner’s course had been going on since January, in an effort to bring archery into the mosque on University Street in Belfast, but it quickly became apparent that the mosque didn’t have the right equipment, AGB’s Regional Development Officer for Northern Ireland, Lisa Wheeler, had the idea to approach the City Of Belfast to see if there was some way to bring the two together for mutual benefit.
The collaboration between the City of Belfast Archery Club and the Northern Ireland Islamic Society ended up being a natural fit. By sharing equipment and expertise, both organisations were able to create a supportive environment for Muslim women to explore the ancient art of archery. Marjan's commitment to empowering women was evident in her role as a trainee Level 1 coach, guiding participants through the fundamentals of the sport with patience and enthusiasm.
The positive feedback from participants speaks volumes about the impact of this initiative.
Amina said: “I really enjoyed the beginner's archery class on Saturday because of how relaxed and comfortable the instructors made us feel. They explained everything so it was easy for us to understand what to do, and I loved that they took the time to coach each of us but also allowed those that were comfortable enough to practice themselves. Plus, the yummy lemonade was a great addition.”
Another participant said: “I really enjoyed the archery session on Saturday. The coach was patient and really gave everyone time to have a go. Her instructions were easy to follow. She was friendly and this made it easy for me to warm up to and trust her. This was something I’ve been wanting to do for some time now. I’m excited for next week now, in ‘Shaa Alah’.”
The successful launch of Project Rimaya beginner’s course is just the beginning. With continued support from the City of Belfast Archery Club and the dedication of individuals like Marjan, archery promises to be a valuable addition to the lives of many Muslim women in Belfast. This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting both physical and mental wellbeing within the community.
