Women’s Boxing is a sport that has been around for well over a century and will be making a debut appearance in the London 2012 Olympics. For twenty-five Afghan women boxers, who train three times a week, boxing represents much more then just a sport. It represents a significant break in the conservative cultural traditions that women have endured under varying oppressive regimes in Afghanistan. The young women train in the Olympics Stadium that was used as a public execution site under the Taliban Regime for many ill-fated Afghan Women. The participation and success stories of the Afghan Women’s Boxing Team (AWBT) have been won in and outside the ring. The AWBT’s spirit can help change the overall perspective of how the world sees the oppression of women in Afghan society. They have strived to be professional boxers and respected at all levels. Through boxing they fight for their right to be heard and many have had to convince their families that the sport is not limited to men. Professionally, many of these women train at night, and work or go to school during the day. Despite their financial challenges they remain determined to represent their country internationally in forums like the Olympics 2012 games. The AWBT have become a story of determination to demonstrate an equally progressive future for Afghanistan.

AWBT was created through the Fight for Peace project, established by CPAU in 2007 with the financial support from CPAU's management.The team was created to encourage the empowerment of their participation in boxing. Ever since its inception, the AWBT has grown in popularity. These women are dedicated to boxing for a variety of reasons. The AWBT is not limited to its gym in Afghanistan. Within a few years AWBT has competed in countries like China, Vietnam, and Tajikistan. Now they have one hopeful, Sadaf Rahimi, who is fighting to compete in the London 2012 Olympic games in the hopes to receive a wild card. We are signing this letter of support for the AWBT and for Sadaf Rahimi to have a chance to fight in the London 2012 Olympics. From inspirational moments like Mohammad Ali lighting the Olympic Torch in Atlanta in 1996, North & South Korea marching under one flag in the 2000 ceremonies, to Eric Moussambani representing Equatorial Guinea swimming in the 2000 Olympics after receiving a wildcard to encourage developing countries that may not have the same facilities to train, the Olympics has often been used as a means to capture pivotal historic moments and has touched hearts worldwide. We support the AWBT, and Sadaf Rahimi on their journey to fight for what they believe in. If given the chance, Sadaf will be the 3rd Afghan Woman to ever compete in the Olympic Games. We are inspired by the AWBT and support Sadaf receiving a wild card to box in the London 2012 Olympics.

Kimberley Motley