SHILER KOYI

Koye — Swimming is not merely a means of spending leisure time or cooling the body during the summer, but is classified as one of the most comprehensive and beneficial physical activities due to its direct impact on human health. For women in particular, swimming contributes to achieving a balance between physical fitness and psychological well-being.

While doctors and sports trainers emphasize the importance of swimming for weight regulation, alleviating chronic diseases such as spinal problems, and reducing stress and depression, the need to provide a suitable and safe environment that allows women to practice this sport becomes increasingly apparent.

Benefits of Swimming for Women

Habiba Nihad, a professor in the Department of Sports Sciences at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at the University of Koye in the Kurdistan Region, stated that swimming is one of the most important sports taught within sports disciplines. "Swimming is one of the most important sports, especially from health and psychological perspectives. It contributes to the treatment of many chronic diseases, helps with weight loss, and is beneficial in preventing many health problems. It is also essential for both women and men alike."

Lack of Swimming Pools

She explained that they face the problem of the absence of a permanent international-standard swimming pool. "There is a pool within the university, but it is only open during the summer break for two months. This does not achieve the desired benefit, because we need a pool that operates continuously. The city of Koye has a sports-loving and educated community, and many women and men have learned to swim to a good level. There are also many patients who need swimming as part of their treatment. Through my work in this field, I have observed that about 50 percent of pool visitors come for therapeutic purposes."

Habiba Nihad called on government authorities or investors to establish a permanent swimming pool, similar to other cities, affirming that this would provide job opportunities for graduates of sports education institutes and colleges, in addition to generating economic returns for project owners.

She added: "Residents of Koye are forced to travel weekly to neighboring cities to practice swimming, which increases travel risks and costs them significant sums of money. A permanent swimming pool would also help train people academically, which would reduce drowning incidents that increase during the summer in rivers and tourist areas. The more people learn to swim correctly, the lower the drowning rate."

She pointed out that the community's cultural norms make the presence of an enclosed swimming pool dedicated to women essential. "In our society, it is generally not permitted for women and men to swim together, especially in rivers and tourist areas. Therefore, establishing a women-only swimming pool is an urgent need. Many women also suffer from weight issues, and studies have shown that even a short period of swimming can burn around 400 calories—a high rate. That is why we recommend that women practice swimming, given its significant benefits, especially for mental health."

For her part, Qadriya Hamad, a sports trainer in the city of Koye, said that swimming gives practitioners a feeling of comfort and enjoyment, in addition to its therapeutic benefits. "Swimming has great benefits in treating many illnesses, such as spinal problems, muscle spasms, and neurological disorders. It is also one of the best ways to alleviate depression and psychological stress, and helps a person restore their balance and return to their normal life."

Regarding the appropriate time for swimming, Qadriya Hamad explained that this sport is not tied to a specific season, but can be practiced throughout the year, contrary to the common belief that it is limited to the summer season.

She explained: "Because there is no permanent swimming pool in Koye, women cannot practice this important sport and benefit from it. The current pool only opens in summer, and that is not enough. I am often forced to take the women I train to Hewlêr (Erbil) or Ranya to practice swimming, especially those whom doctors have recommended swimming for the treatment of certain illnesses. But this exposes us to road risks and imposes high financial costs that not all women can afford."