Swedish Gymnastics for Mental Resilience: Yemen’s “Best Team”
In the midst of war, famine, and a collapsing health system, Yemen gave birth to the free, daily Swedish Gymnastics club known as “Best Team.” In order to improve mental wellbeing, the organization was founded in 2017 by retirees Najy Abu Hatem and Abdullah Al-Qaidani. Word of the initiative quickly spread across the country, promoting unity and physical exercise among citizens. Unfortunately, the organization remains restricted to men, but nevertheless emphasizes unity and physical exercise.
Every morning at 5 am, men gather in Sanaa’s al-Thawra Park, participating in a set of 33 exercises specifically designed to engage the entire body. The club is open to all and proves to be especially beneficial for the elderly who cannot afford treatment for illnesses and anxiety. This offers space from the numerous stressors triggered by Yemen’s long civil war. One of the members, Ahmed al-Mejahed, an advisor of Yemen’s National Association for Retired People, highlights Best Team’s impacts saying: “Swedish exercises revitalize your body, but it’s the people who deeply move you. It’s beautiful.”
The mental health crisis in Yemen has worsened as a result of widespread violence throughout the country. To make matters worse, the societal stigma surrounding mental health and the collapse of the health system makes it practically impossible to receive any sorts of help. The World Health Organization estimates that one in four Yemenis struggle with mental health disorders, and it is strongly recommended that they seek prompt medical attention. With a shortage of professionals that specialize in mental health, and limited access to affordable healthcare, the concerning situation has been pushed to the side and left unbothered. While unable to directly address the ongoing mental health crisis, Best Team offers an escape from reality. An outlet, for individuals to come together for exercise and to build strong friendships. The initiative, bringing itself to more public attention, has grown quite a bit, starting off with two members and over time making itself home to over 1,500. 17 branches are currently spread across the country, aiding people in need and offering services.
Despite ongoing challenges, the club has proven to be life changing for many, providing not only physical but also emotional support. As a response to the battle against unhealthy post-retirement habits, Best Team has also become a beacon of hope for individuals that desire to break free from depression and the dependency of locally grown stimulants. Unfortunately, Yemeni women remain excluded due to strict gender roles and societal restrictions. Despite the limitation, Best Team manages to unite individuals from various professions, classes, and age groups, and clearly emphasizes the power of togetherness in a war wounded nation.