AN OLYMPIC MILESTONE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanIt is hard to believe that the London Summer Olympics are just one week away. The competition and festivities are about to get underway with the Opening Night Ceremonies taking place on July 27th ushering in this global event. Nations around the world will be proudly represented by the best of the best.
In what surely can be considered a monumental milestone, it has been confirmed that Saudi Arabia will be sending two female athletes to the London Olympics. In the past, only males have had the honor of representing their country. The decision which was announced by the IOC, means that every country competing in London will now include women athletes for the first time in Olympic history.
Those two female Saudi competitors are judo athlete, Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim and the 800-meter runner Sarah Attar. Saudi Arabia will also include female officials in their Olympic delegation for the very first time. This is a very encouraging step for the Games and quite an accomplishment for these talented women.
King Abdullah has promised to allow women to run and vote in municipal elections in 2015.
The countries of Qatar and Brunei are also sending female athletes for the first time in their history.
This evolution of the Games also means that every national Olympic committee has now sent women to the Olympic Games.
Women’s Rights Activists are viewing this as a very positive step for women’s equality in the world. In a nation where women have been restricted to have a say in the public, this is a significant step forward.
Bahia al-Hamad of Qatar is one of the proud women who will be the country’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony on July 27th.
To get all the latest news and the schedule and lineup for the Olympic games, go to www.london2012.com/schedule-and-results/.
Word has it that the Opening Ceremony will draw millions of followers for an impressive start to the greatest Games in the world that will ‘Inspire a Generation’.
PHOTO CREDITS: A/P
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