Saudis allow some girls' schools to offer sports

Saudi Arabia's official press agency says private girls' schools are now allowed to hold sports activities in the kingdom, "according to the rules of Shariah." Saudi Arabia follows an ultraconservative interpretation of Shariah, or Islamic law. The country still prohibits sports lessons in government-run girls' schools, and female sports clubs are banned.

The agency said Saturday that the Education Ministry ordered private girls' schools to provide appropriate places and equipment for sports. Two Saudi females competed for the first time in last year's Olympics wearing a modified veil agreed by Olympic officials. (AP)