Active Madrassah, a collaboration between Active Lancashire and Together an Active Future, achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the coveted Participation Project of the Year Award at his year’s Archery GB Recognition Awards. The award recognises outstanding efforts in developing participation within diverse communities, establishing new partnerships to increase participation.
The collaboration began as a response to the growing number of children within Madrassahs and faith-based schools who were not taking part in some form of physical activity. Active Madrassah works alongside Madrassahs and faith-based schools across Lancashire, helping them to incorporate sport and physical activity into their everyday teachings and activities within their setting.
Active Madrassah began their Archery offer in May 2023, alongside Archery GB and GLL, a national social enterprise charity who aim to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of their communities. The Archery Offer engages with adults to provide the training and equipment needed to become an archery instructor, enabling them to run sessions within their Madrassah or faith-based school.
As a result of this training, almost 300 young people across Lancashire have been able to take part in weekly archery sessions within their Madrassah or faith-based school. Sumaiyah Solkar, project lead for Active Madrassah, said that “We are delighted to have received an Archery GB Recognition Award for our work, which helps Madrassahs to integrate Sunnah sports into their everyday practises.
“Working collaboratively with Together an Active Future, GLL and Archery GB, we have been able to build lasting relationships with several Madrassahs across Lancashire. These relationships have seen increased physical activity within Madrassahs, as well as improved mental wellbeing, confidence and social skills. It’s really important to us that every member of our community is able to take part in some form of physical activity or sport; this award is a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work Madrassahs and faith-based schools have done to make physical activity more accessible for young people.”
Active Madrassah exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives, where passionate individuals come together to create meaningful change and impact towards physical activity and wellbeing across Lancashire. The project was among several nominees who were shortlisted for the Archery GB Recognition Awards, which recognised and celebrated exceptional individuals and organisations who positively contribute to their communities.
For more information on the Archery GB Recognition Awards, visit: https://archerygb.org/clubs/badges-and-awards/recognition-awards
For more information on the Active Madrassah project, visit: https://taaf.co.uk/workstreams/active-madrassah/
Lancashire-based Madrassah Project wins Archery GB Award
