Maplewood fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who will make history as the first U.S. Olympian to compete while wearing the hijab, wants the community to know how much her hometown’s support means as she prepares for the events in Rio next week.
Muhammad’s friend Jill Hammarberg passed along the following message from the fencer’s mother, Denise:
On behalf of Ibtihaj Muhammad and family, we would to like offer our heart felt appreciation for the support of the Maplewood community. Ibtihaj has arrived in Rio and wants the community to know that she feels the love and carries it with her. Her family will be in the stands cheering her on as she so proudly represents the people of Maplewood and the USA. We want to especially thank; Kristin O. Saslovsky, Jill Hammarberg, Fred Profeta, Tracey Wood, Swap SOMa Lounge, the Maplewood Department of Recreation, the Dickson Group at Coldwell Banker for making the banner and lawn sign celebration project happen. We are so blessed to be a part of this great township!
Thank you!
Denise Muhammad & Family
Make sure to tune in to NBC this Friday at 8pm for the Opening Ceremony and see Muhammad and the 500 other athletes of Team USA as they represent our country. Also cast your vote for Muhammad to be the athlete chosen to carry the U.S. flag at the Opening Ceremony.
Want to show your hometown pride and support for Muhammad? Lawn signs are now available at the Maplewood Town Hall (from the Recreation Dept.) and at the Maplewood Community Pool. They are free and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Watch this profile of Muhammad on ESPN’s E60, where she talks about her family, her faith, and how she became the trailblazer she is.
Also watch this inspiring video explaining how she has worked to combat stereotypes of Muslim women.
Follow Ibtihaj on Twitter during the Olympics.
