CAIRO: Dozens of policy-makers, practitioners and students sit captivated by Madiha Hassan Farid as she speaks about developing resources for Physical Education in Egypt. Farid's speech takes place at a youth sports development conference in Cairo organized by the British Council as part of the International Inspiration legacy of the 2012 Olympic games. As a professor in the Faculty of Physical Education for Girls at Helwan University, Farid succeeds in capturing the attention of the entire room through her charismatic personality, dynamic visual demonstrations and innovative approach to solving some of Egypt's sport-related issues through simple and effective mechanisms. As Farid's speech continues, cameras start flashing, the audience stand to improve their view of the speaker, and her comments receive the most enthusiastic applause of the day. Not only does Farid address the lack of sport-related resources within schools and homes as an issue central to Egypt's sport development, but she also demonstrates in an enticing manner exactly what she feels should be done about it, and what she has in fact accomplished herself. The turning point of the speech, bridging the gap between interesting and completely captivating, is when Farid reaches inside her Mary Poppins-esque bag and pulls out item after item of sports equipment she has constructed. What all items have in common is their simplicity and low cost to manufacture. Many have been created from recycled materials, or what Farid describes as “materials we usually throw in the trash” such as a long measuring tape recycled from the container of a wire cord. Others have been developed to improve safety; for instance fabric and Velcro based hurdles. Others still have been created in an attempt at facilitating the inclusion of marginalized groups. For instance, there is a glove able to be attached to a discus which allows individuals with certain disabilities to participate in an otherwise exclusive sport. The loudest applause follows Farid's introduction of a game she has created by attaching a ball to a lamp, simulating a smaller version of ‘Swingball'. She demonstrates how the game may be played alone, in pairs, with racquets or without. “This,” she says, “is my gift to all children who are sick or disabled and unable to play with their peers.” Despite the warm reception Farid's products receive, they are not all practical. While safety is a valid concern, practicing sport with appropriate equipment is preferable, because after all practice is more likely to make permanent, not perfect. Thus, the use of a fabric high jump bar may not be an effective substitute for the regular crossbar, but if it increases participation should be deemed a success. After all, students wishing to continue their sporting endeavors may later substitute their practice equipment with those in line with international specifications. The innovation behind Farid's products is admirable. It is refreshing to see so many solutions introduced to such a wide array of sport issues in such a limited amount of time. More than anything, Faridencapsulates both creativity and the effectiveness of simple, inexpensive changes. As one man summarizes in the question and answer session afterwards, “I had already heard [about] things other speakers said, but I see yours with my very own eyes. You have provided us with a valuable resource. I'm very proud to meet you. You are representative of the revolution.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/AYbeh Tags: Girls, Olympics Section: Egypt, Features, Sport
