France has decided to allow French runner Sonkamba Sylla to participate in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics wearing a hat that includes a head covering instead of a hijab, after an agreement was reached with the French Olympic Committee.
During the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday, which includes a parade of athletes on the Seine River, the French delegation will wear a custom outfit made by French fashion house Berluti.
"In consultation with the French Sports Federation, the French Ministry of Sports, Paris 2024 and Berluti, discussions have been held with Sonkamba Sylla. The possibility of wearing a headscarf during the parade has been offered to her, which she has accepted," the French organising committee said in a statement on Thursday.
France imposes a strict principle known as "secularism".
But Sonkamba Sylla, who competes in the women's and mixed relays for France, posted a message on Instagram announcing that an agreement had been reached.
"We have finally reached an agreement for me to participate in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games," she said.
"I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your mobilisation and support from the beginning," Sylla, 26, added.
A similar arrangement was reached during the European Championships in Rome earlier this year, when Sela, who had competed in a black hijab in several previous events, was asked to compete wearing a blue cap with a piece of cloth attached to it to cover her hair.
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