We want to take archery to a whole new audience
With schools now back after an extended lockdown, Archery GB is keen to reignite Project Rimaya – a SportsAid funded initiative looking to increase participation in archery among ethnically diverse communities.
Archery has particular cultural significance within the Islamic community, with archery being part of Muslim heritage for over 1,000 years and one of a limited number of recreational activities cited specifically in the Qur’an as a fundamental ‘Sunnah’ sport and therefore a respected activity for those of Muslim faith.
Project Rimaya has been piloted in selected schools in the midlands and is now looking to expand into new parts of the country.
Sharifa Adam, Archery GB Community Ambassador in Huddersfield, believes archery is an art form that unites people and promotes mental wellbeing. Now qualified as an archery instructor, Sharifa has witnessed those that she has trained in the local community going on to become instructors and coaches themselves, thus spreading the word about the benefits of archery.
“Archery helps with my awareness and the way I think and deal with success and failure,” said Sharifa. “It trains me to use my thoughts, emotions and experiences in my favour.”
Archery GB is planning to recapture the momentum of Project Rimaya post pandemic to encourage other Muslim women and girls to experience archery for themselves.
Neil Armitage, CEO at Archery GB said “As part of the drive to broaden the appeal of our sport across all communities, Project Rimaya is an opportunity to showcase how archery can complement and enhance Islamic community beliefs while providing an outlet to improve mental and physical well-being.
“Archery is an inclusive sport and we are excited to see how this initiative can bring benefits for all, easing access to archery and creating important role models for others to follow, while building a stronger society for all.”
Project Rimaya complements Archery GB’s longterm strategy to help put sport at the heart of the nation’s post pandemic recovery, bringing a new sporting activity to diverse ethnic communities.