For many children, summer holidays have become synonymous with hours spent scrolling through social media, streaming videos, or playing online games. But across Oman, a refreshing trend is taking shape as more girls are choosing sports over screens, transforming the school break into a season of fitness, confidence-building, and personal growth.
From swimming pools and volleyball courts to martial arts academies and indoor sports facilities, summer programmes are attracting growing numbers of girls eager to stay active. Beyond improving physical fitness, these initiatives are helping participants develop discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience while building lasting friendships.
For 13-year-old Mariam, joining a summer volleyball programme was initially her parents' suggestion.
"I thought it would just be another activity," she said with a smile. "But I discovered that sports are fun. I've become more confident, made new friends, and now I look forward to every training session."
Parents are equally enthusiastic about the positive impact.
Fatma al Hinai, whose daughters enrolled in summer sports programmes, said the experience has transformed their daily routine.
"Instead of spending the entire day on their phones, they wake up excited for training. They've become more organised, healthier, and more confident. As a mother, I can clearly see the positive difference."
Moosa bin Abdullah al Qasabi, General Director of the Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in Al Batinah North, said encouraging girls to participate in summer sports goes far beyond promoting physical activity.
"Our commitment stems from the belief that every girl deserves equal opportunities to participate in sports, develop her abilities, and grow in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment," he said.
"By offering a wide range of sporting activities, we aim to discover young talents, promote a culture of active living, and encourage girls to adopt healthy lifestyles that will benefit them long after the summer ends."
He said the initiative reflects Oman's broader vision for sports development and women's empowerment while ensuring that school holidays are used productively.
"These programmes provide an ideal platform for girls to strengthen not only their physical fitness but also their leadership skills, self-confidence, discipline, and ability to work as part of a team. Ultimately, they help nurture a generation that is healthy, confident, resilient, and ready to contribute positively to society."
Aisha al Balushi, Head of the Women's Activities Section at the Directorate, said the Girls' Centre has witnessed remarkable enthusiasm, with increasing numbers of participants enrolling in the diverse sporting activities offered through the Summer Sports Programme.
"The variety of sports has attracted girls from different age groups, creating an energetic environment where participants enjoy being active while developing new skills, building friendships, and experiencing the values of teamwork and healthy competition," she said.
She added that the centre is committed to designing high-quality programmes that reflect the interests of young participants while supporting their physical, social, and personal development.
"Our goal is for every girl to leave the programme with greater confidence, stronger abilities, and memorable experiences that inspire her to remain active long into the future."
Health experts continue to stress that regular physical activity benefits not only physical fitness but also mental well-being. Exercise reduces stress, improves concentration, encourages healthy habits, and strengthens emotional resilience — qualities that are particularly valuable during adolescence.
As Oman expands opportunities for girls in sports, the growing popularity of summer programmes reflects a broader cultural shift. Families are increasingly recognising that success is measured not only by academic achievement but also by confidence, perseverance, and personal development.
Perhaps the greatest victory this summer will not be found on a scoreboard or in a trophy cabinet. It will be reflected in the smile of a girl who discovers her potential, overcomes her fears, and realises that her greatest challenge is not competing with others, but surpassing the limits she once believed she had.
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