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TORONTO – The Raptors say a new line of team-branded hijabs is part of an effort to be more inclusive to fans of all cultures.
The team's parent company, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, unveiled the Nike Pro hijabs emblazoned with the team logo social media post Friday. The Raptors say they are the first NBA team to offer an athletic hijab for Muslim women.
MLSE senior marketing director Jerry Ferguson says the organization has been inspired by the local Hijabi Ballers. The women regularly play basketball at a community court associated with the team.
Ferguson told The Canadian Press the Raptors organization's message of inclusion to its various fan base, which grew significantly during last season's run to the team's first NBA title.
"One of the things we're very interested in is inclusive and accessibility, and finding ways to bring products to market that actually," he said.
The International Basketball Federation and FIFA lifted in the last years.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims praised the Hijabi Ballers for spurring the Raptors to act. Mustafa Farooq, the council's executive director, says that the issue of hijabs in sports has proved divisive. Opponents have called them a symbol of oppression.
"It's hard for me to understand that," Farooq said. "One of the beautiful things about sports is that everyone can play."
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