Breaking Down Barriers - GB Taekwondo

by Paul Buxton , Chief Executive of GB Taekwondo

GB Taekwondo recently hosted an iftar (19th April) to mark the end of Ramadan and the festival of Eid.

The aim of the evening was to learn about the challenges Muslims face whilst observing fasts but also about bringing everyone together to celebrate an important moment for our fellow teammates and colleagues.

This was the first time that an Olympic/Paralympic sport had held an event like this and it’s something we hope to continue in the future. We, as an organisation, feel as though it’s vital to take the time out to better see those around us and the things that play a significant part in our lives.

The evening involved talks from Khadijah Mellah, the UK’s first-ever Muslim jockey along with Imam Shafiq of the British Muslim Heritage Centre, who provided an explanation on why Muslims choose to fast during their holy month. This in turn provided a safe space for dialogue to take place across the room and it was inspiring to hear snippets of what was being discussed.

It was also a privilege to have external attendees from Sporting Equals and Brown Girl Sport along with journalists from BBC Sport and Sky Sports.

The evening itself was supported by stakeholder, UK Sport through their NGB Development fund and together, we see a real opportunity to play our part in encouraging Muslim communities to engage in sport and try to break down some of the barriers to their involvement, as we are one of the few Olympic/Paralympic sports that have a long history of Muslim athletes and staff in our team.

From having worked at GB Taekwondo for just over a year, one of the values that I have witnessed on a daily basis (despite it not being necessarily written on the walls of the National Taekwondo Centre) from different members of the team is inclusion.

The desire to give people a fighting chance, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, social, economic or educational background. The value that they attach to justice, and the frustrations they feel when they see injustice. I also understand for some of the attendees of the event, this value comes from some of the very real battles they have had to fight in their own lives, whether that be overcoming external prejudices, or overcoming more private battles with themselves.

Whatever your own experience, I hope you recognise the importance of what we have done with this particular event and can relate to it.

What is an Iftar?

Iftar being the name of the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast, during Ramadan. It is the main meal of the day for those who are fasting. The other meal of the day for those who are fasting is called Suhoor, which is eaten early in the morning before dawn.

Ramadan, the holy month in the Islamic calendar, ended on Eid ul-Fitr, meaning ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast’, on Saturday 22 April 2023. Eid, meaning ‘celebration’ or ‘festival’.?Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha – What is the Difference?

Visit GB Taekwondo, to learn more about the team.

UK Sport provided funding through the National Governing Body Development Fund to GB Taekwondo, to look at a project celebrating the cultural diversity within their sport.