Thank You for Attending the Hijabi Ballers Community Conference!
The Hijabi Ballers community conference is an inclusive space for community members to learn about and support Muslim female athletes in Toronto, while working to broaden opportunities for them. We are calling athletes, parents, coaches, mentors, friends, allies, community leaders, educators and change makers of sports clubs and organizations to acknowledge their role in the sports scene for Muslim females in Toronto and unite with fellow industry influencers to collectively act on the common goal: increase opportunities for Muslim females in sports in Toronto.
The event will feature breakout workshops on topics such as inclusion in sports and how sports organizations and clubs can be more inclusive towards Muslim females, lesson from Islamic History on Muslim women partaking in sports, how to be an ally without being a Muslim female athlete, strengthening mental health and identity through sports, the experiences of a hijab wearing athlete in Toronto and more. There will also be a Muslim females in sport Panel featuring athletes of diverse backgrounds, experiences and age. We will conclude the evening with some raffle prizes and the first ever public screening of the Hijabi Ballers Video, featuring over 85 hijab wearing athletes from around the GTA.
Workshops will be targeted for youth and adults. All genders are welcome and encouraged to attend. TTC tokens provided. For more information visit www.hijabiballers.com or contact [email protected].
We understand that for some attendees, the cost of the event may hinder your ability to attend. If you are unable to purchase tickets to the conference due to financial barriers, please send us an email at [email protected] simply stating so, and we will provide you with a free ticket
Workshops will be targeted for youth and adults. All genders are welcome and encouraged to attend. TTC tokens provided. For more information visit www.hijabiballers.com or contact [email protected].
We understand that for some attendees, the cost of the event may hinder your ability to attend. If you are unable to purchase tickets to the conference due to financial barriers, please send us an email at [email protected] simply stating so, and we will provide you with a free ticket
| Hijabi Ballers Community Conference 2018 |
The breakdown of the conference is as follows:
10:00-10:30: Registration and Breakfast
10:30-11:00: Welcome Addresses
11:00-11:30: Intro to Hijabi Ballers
11:30-12:30: Breakout Session 1
12:30-1:30: Lunch and Networking
1:30-2:30: Breakout Session 2
2:30-3:00: Muslim Females in Sports Panel
3:00-3:15: Short Break
3:15-4:00: Video Launch
Your ticket gives you: access to all workshops at the event, access to the first-ever public screening of the Hijabi Ballers video, Hijabi Ballers swag, lunch, chance to win some raffle prizes by Nike and an unforgettable day! Limited Spots! Buy your ticket today at www.hijabiballers.eventbrite.ca for only $10.
10:00-10:30: Registration and Breakfast
10:30-11:00: Welcome Addresses
11:00-11:30: Intro to Hijabi Ballers
11:30-12:30: Breakout Session 1
12:30-1:30: Lunch and Networking
1:30-2:30: Breakout Session 2
2:30-3:00: Muslim Females in Sports Panel
3:00-3:15: Short Break
3:15-4:00: Video Launch
Your ticket gives you: access to all workshops at the event, access to the first-ever public screening of the Hijabi Ballers video, Hijabi Ballers swag, lunch, chance to win some raffle prizes by Nike and an unforgettable day! Limited Spots! Buy your ticket today at www.hijabiballers.eventbrite.ca for only $10.
Full Program Details:
Intro to Hijabi Ballers @ Telus Room; 11:00 am
Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Meet the Hijabi Ballers Team, learn our story and get to know about our programs!
Morning Breakout Sessions: 11:30-12:30 pm
Presentations by: Deena Henaway, Faatimah Zahra Hatia, Lauren Wolman
Lunch and Networking : 12:30- 1:30 pm
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: 12:30-1:30 pm
Presentations by: Asma Khalil, Sadaf Jamal, Ameera Seiyad
Muslim Females in Sports Panel @ Telus Room 2:30 pm
The “Muslim Females in Sports” Panel is meant to create a platform for Muslim female athletes to speak about what their sport experiences were or are like and how others in the community have shaped them. It also focuses on what they need and want out of future sport experiences and programs to help grow opportunities for Muslim females. This emphasizes our theme of ‘Acknowledge. Unite. Act” by giving the audience a chance acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful journey of Muslim female athletes and see them unite on the panel to create a spectacular platform where they are given the space and opportunity to speak about their athletic experiences. Lastly, it will strongly focus on the future of Muslim females in sport and that action that needs to be taken by all members of the community to ensure that there is growth, celebration and acknowledgement for Muslim female athletes.
Panelists include Hana Hassan, Takwa Ahmad, Fitriya Mohamed Hussein, Farrah Sheikh, Aisha Ibrahim and Hina Mirza
Video Launch @ Telus Room @3:15 pm
Hijabi Ballers, along with help of a very dedicated cinematography and production team created the ‘Hijabi Ballers Video’ this past summer. This short video puts into spotlight the athleticism of some hardworking and strong hijab wearing athletes in the GTA. The production process involved over 85 hijab wearing athletes tirelessly dedicating themselves to the video over the course of 6 long, hot summer months and 14 different shoots. Get an exclusive sneak peak of the video that everyone will be talking about!
Are you curious about who we are and what we do? Meet the Hijabi Ballers Team, learn our story and get to know about our programs!
Morning Breakout Sessions: 11:30-12:30 pm
Presentations by: Deena Henaway, Faatimah Zahra Hatia, Lauren Wolman
Lunch and Networking : 12:30- 1:30 pm
Afternoon Breakout Sessions: 12:30-1:30 pm
Presentations by: Asma Khalil, Sadaf Jamal, Ameera Seiyad
Muslim Females in Sports Panel @ Telus Room 2:30 pm
The “Muslim Females in Sports” Panel is meant to create a platform for Muslim female athletes to speak about what their sport experiences were or are like and how others in the community have shaped them. It also focuses on what they need and want out of future sport experiences and programs to help grow opportunities for Muslim females. This emphasizes our theme of ‘Acknowledge. Unite. Act” by giving the audience a chance acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful journey of Muslim female athletes and see them unite on the panel to create a spectacular platform where they are given the space and opportunity to speak about their athletic experiences. Lastly, it will strongly focus on the future of Muslim females in sport and that action that needs to be taken by all members of the community to ensure that there is growth, celebration and acknowledgement for Muslim female athletes.
Panelists include Hana Hassan, Takwa Ahmad, Fitriya Mohamed Hussein, Farrah Sheikh, Aisha Ibrahim and Hina Mirza
Video Launch @ Telus Room @3:15 pm
Hijabi Ballers, along with help of a very dedicated cinematography and production team created the ‘Hijabi Ballers Video’ this past summer. This short video puts into spotlight the athleticism of some hardworking and strong hijab wearing athletes in the GTA. The production process involved over 85 hijab wearing athletes tirelessly dedicating themselves to the video over the course of 6 long, hot summer months and 14 different shoots. Get an exclusive sneak peak of the video that everyone will be talking about!
Workshops Sessions:
The Importance of a Healthy Body and Mind in Islam by Faatimah Zahra Hatia
As Muslims we need to take care of our physical, spiritual and emotional health. Our bodies are the most complex machines which have been given to us by Allah S.W.T. as a trust. Our bodies should not be abused or neglected, but maintained in good order. This workshop will focus on the importance that Islam gives to taking care of our health; understanding our role in sports in our communities; and overcoming cultural barriers which may prevent us from being physically active. I will also be sharing inspiring stories of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and female companions who showed physical strength and courage in their lives.
Bio: Faatimah Zahraa Hatia was born in Toronto, Canada and raised in a family who loves sports. She began her journey to obtain Islamic knowledge at Madressa Tarbiyatul Banaat in Lusaka, Zambia. There, Faatimah Zahraa studied Qira’at, Qur’anic sciences, Ahaadith, Hanafi fiqh, Arabic grammar and etymology, and graduated from the Da'ee Course. She is now continuing her Alimiyyah studies at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom, Scarborough, Ontario. Faatimah Zahraa currently teaches children in her local neighborhood and runs a halaqa for female students at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom, where she counsels students to become model citizens through Prophetic character.
As Muslims we need to take care of our physical, spiritual and emotional health. Our bodies are the most complex machines which have been given to us by Allah S.W.T. as a trust. Our bodies should not be abused or neglected, but maintained in good order. This workshop will focus on the importance that Islam gives to taking care of our health; understanding our role in sports in our communities; and overcoming cultural barriers which may prevent us from being physically active. I will also be sharing inspiring stories of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and female companions who showed physical strength and courage in their lives.
Bio: Faatimah Zahraa Hatia was born in Toronto, Canada and raised in a family who loves sports. She began her journey to obtain Islamic knowledge at Madressa Tarbiyatul Banaat in Lusaka, Zambia. There, Faatimah Zahraa studied Qira’at, Qur’anic sciences, Ahaadith, Hanafi fiqh, Arabic grammar and etymology, and graduated from the Da'ee Course. She is now continuing her Alimiyyah studies at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom, Scarborough, Ontario. Faatimah Zahraa currently teaches children in her local neighborhood and runs a halaqa for female students at Jamiah Qasimul Uloom, where she counsels students to become model citizens through Prophetic character.
Diary of a Muslim with many hats by Deena Henaway
Deena will be speaking with the audience about her experiences as a Muslim athlete and coach and how she has, over time, educated and built inclusion through different avenues, and built awareness about Muslims in the community. As a teacher, Deena takes pride in making sure that everyone is involved and feeling equal and wanted. It took time for her to feel this way and she will be talking about what you can walk away with!
Bio: My name is Deena Henaway, I am a primary school teacher. I have been involved in sports since high school but if it was up to my mother, I would be in a kitchen (sort of kidding). I coach youth rugby, I am a physio for an AFL and rugby team, I am a "retired" rugby player (it takes a long time to retire), an Ollie Lifter, a crossfitter and most importantly, I am a proud female Muslim.
Deena will be speaking with the audience about her experiences as a Muslim athlete and coach and how she has, over time, educated and built inclusion through different avenues, and built awareness about Muslims in the community. As a teacher, Deena takes pride in making sure that everyone is involved and feeling equal and wanted. It took time for her to feel this way and she will be talking about what you can walk away with!
Bio: My name is Deena Henaway, I am a primary school teacher. I have been involved in sports since high school but if it was up to my mother, I would be in a kitchen (sort of kidding). I coach youth rugby, I am a physio for an AFL and rugby team, I am a "retired" rugby player (it takes a long time to retire), an Ollie Lifter, a crossfitter and most importantly, I am a proud female Muslim.
Supporting Muslim Females in Sport through Allyship by Lauren Wolman
Whether you are a coach, teacher, sport administrator, volunteer, teammate parent or friend, this will be an intimate and honest discussion on how we can become better allies to Muslim female athletes. We will also discuss how Muslim females can support those who may not have the tools to fully understand or engage with this process!
Bio: Lauren Wolman is a doctoral candidate at York University in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science. Her work focuses on optimizing contexts for sport participation among children and youth and understanding sport experiences within diverse communities. As well, Lauren has been actively involved in the rugby community, both in Canada and the UK, specializing in programming for girls. She is currently Director of the girls program at Toronto Nomads RFC and a strong supporter of various local organizations such as Hijabi Ballers, Go Green Youth Centre and the Toronto Inner City Rugby Foundation.
Whether you are a coach, teacher, sport administrator, volunteer, teammate parent or friend, this will be an intimate and honest discussion on how we can become better allies to Muslim female athletes. We will also discuss how Muslim females can support those who may not have the tools to fully understand or engage with this process!
Bio: Lauren Wolman is a doctoral candidate at York University in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science. Her work focuses on optimizing contexts for sport participation among children and youth and understanding sport experiences within diverse communities. As well, Lauren has been actively involved in the rugby community, both in Canada and the UK, specializing in programming for girls. She is currently Director of the girls program at Toronto Nomads RFC and a strong supporter of various local organizations such as Hijabi Ballers, Go Green Youth Centre and the Toronto Inner City Rugby Foundation.
Navigating Through Life with Soccer by Ameera Seiyad
Ameera will be speaking about her personal experiences being a Muslim female playing sports. She'll also share some tips and tricks on how to get jobs in recreation as well as resources to help get yourselves more involved with sport in the community!
Bio: I am a 4th year environment student at Laurier/Waterloo. I grew up playing almost every sport and that’s where my passion for soccer began. From playing competitive soccer, to earning my sporting certifications, to working with children with various organizations, sports have always played a huge role in my life. Be sure to catch me on the soccer field with one sock up and clenching my Abaya for dear life!
Ameera will be speaking about her personal experiences being a Muslim female playing sports. She'll also share some tips and tricks on how to get jobs in recreation as well as resources to help get yourselves more involved with sport in the community!
Bio: I am a 4th year environment student at Laurier/Waterloo. I grew up playing almost every sport and that’s where my passion for soccer began. From playing competitive soccer, to earning my sporting certifications, to working with children with various organizations, sports have always played a huge role in my life. Be sure to catch me on the soccer field with one sock up and clenching my Abaya for dear life!
In and Out: A Qualitative Exploration of the Sport Experiences of Hijabi Athletes in Ontario by Asma Khalil
Sport has traditionally been used as a tool to foster social inclusion among minority populations. However, Western sport environments may create challenges for young Muslim women who choose to participate while still adhering to their Islamic values and principles. In this way, participation in sport may instead serve to exclude them when cultural and religious needs are not met. In this presentation, I will present key findings from my Master's thesis, which included interviews and audio-diaries conducted with Hijabi Athletes in Ontario. Key experiences, take away message and recommendations will be provided to help shed light on the experiences of Hijabi athletes as well as to inform our next steps in supporting their sport journeys.
Bio: Asma Khalil is a PhD student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research explores issues of identity, social support and inclusion/alienation within Western sport spaces. Specifically, her Master's thesis used a post-colonial, feminist approach to understand the sport experiences of young Muslim women actively competing in Ontario. For this research, Asma has received the Marie Parkes Fellowship for the Research in Women's Health and Physical Activity and the Barbara Drinkwater Award. Asma is very passionate about working within the community to bring about change. She is currently serving on the advisory board for Hijabi Ballers and the executive committee of Black Muslim Initiative.
Sport has traditionally been used as a tool to foster social inclusion among minority populations. However, Western sport environments may create challenges for young Muslim women who choose to participate while still adhering to their Islamic values and principles. In this way, participation in sport may instead serve to exclude them when cultural and religious needs are not met. In this presentation, I will present key findings from my Master's thesis, which included interviews and audio-diaries conducted with Hijabi Athletes in Ontario. Key experiences, take away message and recommendations will be provided to help shed light on the experiences of Hijabi athletes as well as to inform our next steps in supporting their sport journeys.
Bio: Asma Khalil is a PhD student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research explores issues of identity, social support and inclusion/alienation within Western sport spaces. Specifically, her Master's thesis used a post-colonial, feminist approach to understand the sport experiences of young Muslim women actively competing in Ontario. For this research, Asma has received the Marie Parkes Fellowship for the Research in Women's Health and Physical Activity and the Barbara Drinkwater Award. Asma is very passionate about working within the community to bring about change. She is currently serving on the advisory board for Hijabi Ballers and the executive committee of Black Muslim Initiative.
Using Representation in Sports as a Tool to Enhance Spirituality and Mental Health By Sadaf Jamal
It’s difficult to score a goal without getting a pass from someone else. Help your spirituality and mental health grow through your role as an athlete. Muslim female athletes have a role in representing Muslim women in the world of sports. Join us as we explore that representation, and how it can be used in collaborative efforts for mutual value in sports.
Bio: Sadaf Jamal is the Founder of Move N Improve Canada, a health, wellness, yoga, female fitness and empowerment services program for all ages, which has been empowering women to turn struggles into strengths. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher registered with Yoga Alliance, a Nutrition and Wellness Coach, a Canfit Pro Fitness Instructor Specialist and Personal Trainer. Sadaf is currently pursuing her Masters in Pastoral-Spiritual Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Toronto. She also volunteers as a Spiritual Caregiver at Scarborough and Rouge Hospital General Campus.
It’s difficult to score a goal without getting a pass from someone else. Help your spirituality and mental health grow through your role as an athlete. Muslim female athletes have a role in representing Muslim women in the world of sports. Join us as we explore that representation, and how it can be used in collaborative efforts for mutual value in sports.
Bio: Sadaf Jamal is the Founder of Move N Improve Canada, a health, wellness, yoga, female fitness and empowerment services program for all ages, which has been empowering women to turn struggles into strengths. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher registered with Yoga Alliance, a Nutrition and Wellness Coach, a Canfit Pro Fitness Instructor Specialist and Personal Trainer. Sadaf is currently pursuing her Masters in Pastoral-Spiritual Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Toronto. She also volunteers as a Spiritual Caregiver at Scarborough and Rouge Hospital General Campus.