Bi, a Muslim herself, left 26 years’ experience of healthcare work behind to pursue a career in archery, something she had only thought about of doing before COVID.
“I was in lockdown and started to think about what I know about me as a person,” explained the former dental radiographer. “I kind of lost what I enjoy or what I would like to enjoy.”
“Being outdoors was something that I love, to go out, explore and just being in nature, and archery was also on my list.”
Bi, has firmly ticked it off her list. Since starting her position, she has taught archery to over 3000 people, in most cases for the first time at clubs, school programmes, charities and Birmingham 2022 legacy events, and has delivered seven instructor award courses as a qualified coach developer.
Increasing the number of “aligned coaches and volunteers within ethnically diverse communities” is another mandate of the Rimaya project.
Whilst fulfilling her coordinator duties, Bi has also set up her own club in Birmingham, Crescent Archers, which has “probably” become the only club in the city to host women only sessions, something she could not find when she started shooting.
“The first thing I said was I have got to make an environment where universally people can access the sport.”
Jamila’s vision is that archery should be accessible to all, and she focuses on women and girls, trying to encourage them to take up the sport, with girls of South Asian origin “less active”, and girls in general lack confidence.
“It was to inspire them to create an environment where everybody feels comfortable regardless of age, ability or background.”
