Across Oman, an increasing number of girls are participating in summer sports programmes designed to promote physical activity, personal growth, and social development during the school holidays. These initiatives, which take place in facilities such as swimming pools, volleyball courts, martial arts academies, and indoor sports complexes, aim to encourage young girls to replace screen time with fitness and teamwork.
The initiatives are drawing growing interest, with participants benefiting not just physically but also gaining skills in discipline, leadership, and resilience. Thirteen-year-old Mariam, who joined a summer volleyball programme at her parents’ suggestion, shared that she has found the experience enjoyable and confidence-boosting. “I’ve become more confident, made new friends, and now I look forward to every training session,” she said.
Parents of participants have noticed positive changes in their children’s routines and attitudes. Fatma al Hinai, whose daughters are involved in the programmes, described how the girls now start their days looking forward to training sessions rather than spending extended hours on electronic devices. She noted improvements in their organisation, health, and confidence.
Officials overseeing the initiatives emphasize that the programmes align with wider national goals relating to sports development and women’s empowerment. Moosa bin Abdullah al Qasabi, General Director of the Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in Al Batinah North, highlighted the commitment to providing equal opportunities for girls to engage in sports within supportive environments. He remarked that these summer activities seek not only to foster physical fitness but also to nurture leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence that will benefit participants long term.
Aisha al Balushi, Head of the Women’s Activities Section at the Directorate, noted increased enrollment in the Girls’ Centre’s summer sports programme, citing the variety of offered activities and the enthusiasm of participants as contributing factors. She stressed the centre’s focus on creating high-quality, age-appropriate programmes that promote skill development and social interaction, with the goal of inspiring girls to maintain active lifestyles beyond the summer months.
Health professionals underline that regular physical exercise during adolescence supports both physical and mental well-being, improving concentration, reducing stress, and building emotional resilience. The cultural shift in Oman toward valuing holistic development, including confidence and perseverance alongside academic success, is reflected in the popularity of these summer sports programmes.
By providing young girls with opportunities to discover their potential and build resilience in a safe and encouraging setting, these initiatives are fostering a generation poised to contribute positively to Omani society. The programmes represent a step forward not just in athletic participation but in empowering girls to surpass personal limits and embrace a balanced, healthy lifestyle.