In Canada, Indian-origin mom designs first safety certified multisport helmets for Sikh kids

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tina Singh (@thetinasingh)

Tina’s journey of creating a helmet for her kids started when her kids started to learn how to ride a bike and she realised that no helmet available in the market could fit her sons’ turbans. She had to get larger helmets that didn’t fit right and take out the foam inside one to accommodate her children’s hair or ditch the helmet itself — both options that compromised the safety of the kids.

Working as an occupational therapist who has worked with patients who had acquired brain injuries, Singh told CBC News that she understood the importance of a well-fitting bicycle helmet.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tina Singh (@thetinasingh)

Moezine Hasham, executive director and founder of Hockey 4 Youth, told CBC News that the helmet is going to create an inclusive space.

“When you think about the impact of the pandemic and the access to sport that unfortunately wasn’t there … the creation of this type of helmet is now going to create an inclusive space, it’s going to foster belonging,” said he said.

Singh, meanwhile, told CBC News that this isn’t just a solution for Sikh kids but also a step towards being seen in sports.

“It is also a demonstration of inclusion and diversity in sport participation,” she said. As for seeing her kids wear the helmet she created herself, she says: “To me, it feels really surreal… It’s a beautiful moment for me. I did this for my kids and to see them actually reap the benefit of that is amazing.”