Post Desk:

The Muslimah Sports Association is an award-winning charity that provides an outlet for like-minded women to participate in sports without compromising their religious or cultural beliefs. With their mission clearly stated, the charity has established their presence within their local area, London and beyond.

Since being founded in 2014, MSA has become renowned in the sports industry for their success in engaging 1000’s of females from Muslim backgrounds in sports and introducing them to activities they may not have otherwise had access to such as rowing, archery, and fencing.  To celebrate this MSA held their inaugural Evening of Celebration Event to recognise the work carried out by their coaches and volunteers through recent years. The event took place at the Mayfair Venue in Essex, where esteemed guests from the sports industry and MSA participants were welcomed.

The Chair and Founder of MSA Yashmin Harun BEM opened the ceremony expressing her thanks to all those who had supported MSA in the early years. Lady Sidra Deputy Lord Lieutenant delivered an inspiring speech on the benefits of exercise, and Mayor of Redbridge Chancellor Roy Emmet presented the awards to both MSA Volunteers and Coaches on the evening. The FA, Essex FA, London Sport, Vision Redbridge, British Fencing, Barking Rugby, Frenford Clubs, Super5, CSM, Laureus, and Black Arrows were all recognised for their work and ongoing support with MSA.

The room was not light on sport pioneers with jockey Khadija Mellah and amateur boxer Athena Bashar shares their stories to inspire. The evening showcased the sporting talent MSA had acquired in their journey, with fencers demonstrating an artistic display, spoken word poem from Aminah Rahman and a dramatic story-telling performance from Khayaal Theatre. The evening was not shy of talent nor opportunities for the charity to excel further in the year, with the charity hoping this event is just the beginning for more to come.

MSA also showed special video messages from newly appointed and first female Chair of the FA Debbie Hewitt MBE and the Muslim Council of Britain General Secretary Zara Mohammed.

Yashmin Harun BEM further commented on the night about mental well-being in connection to sports and how the holistic approach will see an increase within women and girls. Adding ‘to make participants physically fit and mentally happy,’ through the selection of sports provided by the charity.

Lady Sidra commented on how impressed she was with the evening overall: “It was absolutely fantastic. Excellent event and very well organised. Very proud to know you all. You’re all such an inspiration!”