( CNN ) -- The year 2012 was a historic one for Saudi Arabia . It was the first time two women from the country competed at an Olympic Games . A month earlier , ten Saudi women climbed to Mount Everest base camp , headed by Princess Reema Bandar to raise awareness of breast cancer and to promote physical activity . However the situation for sports women from the country was different at the recently completed Asian Games in South Korea . Western media and various international organizations including Human Rights Watch commented that not one of the 199 athletes from Saudi Arabia was a woman . Mohammed Al-Mishal , the Secretary General of Saudi Arabia 's Olympic Committee said that Saudi Arabia was committed to sending female athletes to the next Olympics , but `` they were not yet competitive enough for the Asian Games . '' `` Technically , we were n't ready to introduce any ladies and the new president of our Olympic committee ( Prince Abdullah bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz ) rejected sending women to only participate , as he wanted them to compete , '' said Al-Mishal . Jeddah United is a women 's basketball team started in 2003 . In 2006 it evolved into a sports company that trains both girls and boys in team sports with the aim of promoting sports in the Kingdom and developing potential Olympic talents . Since the company was established , an elite team for both girls and boys has been training hard for possible international competition and to lay the foundation for a potential girls national team . Over the years there have been many statements by high-ranking officials in the local media in Saudi Arabia that supported integrating girl sports in public schools , opening private clubs , allowing female participation in neighborhood centers , and setting the stage for more Olympic participation . However , logistical challenges remain , as there are no local sports professionals and no space is being made available in these public schools . In addition to that , very limited private facilities are available for similar activities , and there are no female members of Saudi Arabia 's various sporting federations with the exception of Arwa Mutabagani in the Equestrian Federation . Finally , the absence of physical education departments in colleges and universities is another major hindrance to seeing more girls and women in sports . However , and in accordance with Prince Abdullah bin Musaid 's vision , Jeddah United believes that , in international competitions , female athletes should be at a level to compete and not just participate symbolically . Saudi athletes need to train and be ready physically , mentally , and emotionally . Government and private sectors need to collaborate to make this a reality . Public funds need to be allocated , as the private sector alone will not be able to nurture sports women to a level so they can compete against others from countries that have supported women sports for decades . The good news is that the government can rely on existing teams , athletes and initiatives that have been running for years on their own that will be the foundation for women sports in Saudi Arabia . '' The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author Lina K. Almaeena .
Founder of Jeddah United believes more needs to be done for women in sports . Wants facilities and finance to boost quality of athletes . Score: 6