The Toronto Raptors have launched a new line of team-branded hijabs to be “more inclusive” of Muslim athletes.
On Friday, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment released images of the new headcovering featuring the Raptors logo on the side, Global News reported.
In a tweet, the Raptors touted the hijab saying, “Inspired by those brave enough to change the game. The Toronto Raptors Nike Pro Hijab is available now.”
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Senior Marketing Director Jerry Ferguson said that the team was inspired by a Muslim fan group that calls itself the Hijabi Ballers.
The team claims it worked with the Muslim women in the basketball club to design the new hijab.
“One of the things that we are very interested in is moving from saying we are just about inclusivity and accessibility and finding ways to bring products and ideas to market that actually prove that,” Ferguson said.
The founder of Hijabi Ballers, Amreen Kadwa, was thrilled by the team’s collaboration on the headwear.
Kadwa praised the Raptors for “creating an atmosphere where girls who play basketball can do so with more confidence and more empowerment, and actually feel welcome in that space.”
“It’s just the beginning of our relationship with the Raptors and with Nike,” Kadwa added. “And it can only move forward from here. We see a lot of potential for our partnership to grow.”
The headgear will be available at the Raptors’ official store in downtown Toronto.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.
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