Sports in Saudi
This was me practicing with Abdullah for his upcoming baseball season.
In Saudi Arabia it is common to see young men on the side of the road, in a vacant lot of sand and dirt, playing a game of soccer. In school, boys play soccer in P.E. as well as at recess time. Girls are not encouraged to play sports and when a stray soccer ball fell on their side of the wall, just picking it up was discouraged. I suppose it was not seen as lady like. In Riyadh a sports league for kids was established and each season a different sport was played. People from the U.S., U.K and various middle eastern countries participated. Osama wanted to play baseball and he then pushed the kids to do so as well. Fattima played softball several seasons and Abdullah played both soccer and baseball. It was a great experience and something that they looked forward to.
Osama playing in a soccer league, Riyadh
Practicing for baseball season!
Baseball and softball were the main sports my kids played. They were lifeguards and swam in the off season, and tried volleyball, and basketball but both loved baseball.
It’s a shame the girls were discouraged over there. Sports are good for so much more than just fitness.
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They are so good you are right! They really teach life lessons
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They do!
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Really good that the boys were able to get so involved in sports but not so good that the girls were discouraged from taking part.
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they said if they picked up a ball or showed any interest in sports it was not good! Teachers were furious
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It is interesting the different cultures and how they socialize men and women. This seems so archaic to our culture
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Yes! No sports or talk of sports for girls
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Wow unreal Some of the girls are better than the boys lol
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yes for sure!
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Great pictures Lynn, I am thankful there were some sports activities for the boys. It is a shame it is not the same for the girls. Hope your day is going well my friend. 🙂
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You look adorable in that picture with your glove on! I used to pitch batting practice for my sons, too!
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What a culture shock the Middle East must have been when you first lived there; at the same time, though,,quite an adventure!
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It’s terrible that girls were discouraged to play. Love the pictures!
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Thanks x
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I bet having sports to participate in was a great outlet for the kids!
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It really was
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This is so cool, seeing you practicing baseball! Thank you for sharing these pictures and story!
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thanks for always visitng me even though you are so busy xxx
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I don’t only say it, Lynn! I really love your blog and I cannot stand it when I miss your posts! Big hugs 💖
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You are such a sweetie! I hope one day I have the honor of meeting you and a big hug! xx
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That will be a great day and I hope too that we will make it happen. Who knows, Lisa is thinking about a Blogger Bash in the States… so … perhaps next year… 😉 Hug you virutally for now 💖
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wow that would be so cool! Thanks dear hugs back!
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💖💖💖
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That picture of you is quite the sight – thank you for sharing!
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haha quite interesting huh?
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Exactly! It’s sort of a dual life – the American, the Middle East – a melange of two very different cultures!
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yes so true!
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Sport teaches so much – teamwork, discipline, listening, leading, following not to mention the motor skills and fitness. It is sad when cultures exclude or disapprove. You, my dear look absolutely AWESOME in your robes with your mit on getting stuck in with your baby! Loved this post 🙂 xx
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thanks so much xxx
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What a contrast between the two pictures of yourself that you posted today.
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I never thought of that haha so true!
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Beautiful photos, Lynz 🙂
And nice memories
xoxo
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xoxo thanks!
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❤
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I remember with pleasure my daughter’s softball games. I too tossed many a ball for practice! (K)
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So much fun K!
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Interesting to know these differences! Lovely pics, Lynn 🙂
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Thanks!
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Nice that you also have some good memories Lynn 🙂
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Thanks dear!
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Lynn!!! YOU ROCK!!! I would vote you “mother-of-the-year” every single year!!! Your strength to do what is right is what comes through. Please know this! Hugs, friend! ❤
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Your so sweet!
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Good for you mom – I like your form 🙂
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haha thanks dear Judi! xx
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Thanks for sharing this enlightening post. You are an amazing Mom.
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Thanks so much for following me and reading! I appreciate that!
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You are welcome.
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🙂
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Oh I think that is great you went out and practiced with them! Who cares about what you-know-who thought about it, lol. xoxoxo!
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It was fun and I could catch a ball so why not lol xoxo
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xo
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Good for you getting involved, even in your robe ! 🙂 Sports is so good for children !!! It is really sad that it is discouraged for girls. You mentioned Fattima played softball for several seasons, how did he react to that? xxx
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He didn’t have much choice, my oldest son was then a young man and insisted on many things!!! So, he just said it’s happening and pushed for it! He went to most games and went along!
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Great photos! Wonderful children!
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This is an epic photo Lynz. I’m so thankful that Dubai is slightly different and more permissive. Even though the girls are separated from the boys in my children’s schools at least my daughter gets to play volleyball, basketball and choreographed dancing 🙂
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Yes I think Dubai is so different. My daughters said that if they even discussed sports it was considered a shame!
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Can you beat that! Good they are in a society where they can express themselves better.
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I love that no matter what it is you were right there encouraging the kids on, do the best, throw the ball for them….your the best mom ever…..I am not sure I could of ever don’t the robes…..just look way to hot for me…..xxxxxxxkat
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Look at those sweet faces 🙂 Was “he” ok with your daughter playing softball?
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Osama is very hmmm assertive and in the arab world sons are so important and the oldest son is the boss! So, he pushed and bugged him until he gave in!!
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I bet the girls are happy to have him for a big brother!
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they are!
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It is important that children are physically active. Good job highlighting this issue
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