Excerpts From the Report Delivered by

MRS. MARY BENAHAM, FIBA DELEGATE,

ON THE FIRST EDITION OF THE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES WOMEN SPORTS SOLIDARITY GAMES

The First Islamic Countries' Women Sports Solidarity Games were held in Tehran, Iran from February 13th to 19th, 1993. I was honored to attend the basketball Tournament on behalf of FIBA and on the invitation of Mrs. Faezeh Hashemi Rafsanjani. The object of these Solidarity Games, according to the organizers, is to promote sport for women in the Islamic Countries and to provide a blueprint for the organization of competitive sport in those countries. These Games intended to demonstrate that sport for women who are Muslim can be organized within the context of their religious beliefs and that women in the Islamic Countries are not excluded from sport but are encouraged to participate.

After an impressive Opening Ceremony which was held before 13,000 spectators, and which was televised live, the Tournaments were held in Badminton, Swimming, Handball, Basketball, Shooting, Volleyball and Table Tennis.

All the technical and organizational aspects of the Basketball Tournament were excellent. Coming from a society and culture which is very different from that in Iran, I was interested to witness how such a Basketball Tournament could be held within the Islamic

law. All players more normal playing gear and once within the stadium, from which all men were excluded at all times, everyone was free to remove her Islamic dress.

To me, these Solidarity Games are a sign of hope. In the case of Iran, they were the first international competitive basketball for women since the Revolution. A such, they represent a first tentative step towards a closer involvement in the wider basketball world. Within the context of a political and cultural reality which presents major difficulties for sports women, I saw many positive things; skilled women coaches and administrators, a sense of solidarity amongst those involved in the organization but above all, a deep and enthusiastic commitment of the development of basketball for women. I am hopeful that these qualities can in time help to overcome the obstacles to growth which exist at the moment.