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!
![IMG_6028[1]](https://lynzrealcooking.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_60281-e1516810286593.jpg?w=295&h=395 "IMG_6028[1]")
![IMG_6029[1]](https://lynzrealcooking.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/img_60291-e1516810444653.jpg?w=317&h=395 "IMG_6029[1]")
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are so good you are right! They really teach life lessons
LikeLiked by 1 person
They do!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
they said if they picked up a ball or showed any interest in sports it was not good! Teachers were furious
LikeLike
It is interesting the different cultures and how they socialize men and women. This seems so archaic to our culture
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! No sports or talk of sports for girls
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow unreal Some of the girls are better than the boys lol
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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. 🙂
LikeLike
You look adorable in that picture with your glove on! I used to pitch batting practice for my sons, too!
LikeLike
What a culture shock the Middle East must have been when you first lived there; at the same time, though,,quite an adventure!
LikeLike
It’s terrible that girls were discouraged to play. Love the pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks x
LikeLike
I bet having sports to participate in was a great outlet for the kids!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so cool, seeing you practicing baseball! Thank you for sharing these pictures and story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for always visitng me even though you are so busy xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t only say it, Lynn! I really love your blog and I cannot stand it when I miss your posts! Big hugs 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are such a sweetie! I hope one day I have the honor of meeting you and a big hug! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow that would be so cool! Thanks dear hugs back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
That picture of you is quite the sight – thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha quite interesting huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! It’s sort of a dual life – the American, the Middle East – a melange of two very different cultures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes so true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a contrast between the two pictures of yourself that you posted today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never thought of that haha so true!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos, Lynz 🙂
And nice memories
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxo thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember with pleasure my daughter’s softball games. I too tossed many a ball for practice! (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much fun K!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting to know these differences! Lovely pics, Lynn 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice that you also have some good memories Lynn 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear!
LikeLike
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! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your so sweet!
LikeLike
Good for you mom – I like your form 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha thanks dear Judi! xx
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this enlightening post. You are an amazing Mom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for following me and reading! I appreciate that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was fun and I could catch a ball so why not lol xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 2 people
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos! Wonderful children!
LikeLike
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 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I think Dubai is so different. My daughters said that if they even discussed sports it was considered a shame!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can you beat that! Good they are in a society where they can express themselves better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLike
Look at those sweet faces 🙂 Was “he” ok with your daughter playing softball?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet the girls are happy to have him for a big brother!
LikeLiked by 1 person
they are!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is important that children are physically active. Good job highlighting this issue
LikeLike