Breaking Barriers: Amina Yu’s Inspiring Journey to the World Stage
Zoheir Tahar
7-23-2025
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At Olive Branch Revival Foundation (OBRF), we believe in uplifting youth and empowering them to leave a positive and lasting impact on their community. But the journey is not always easy—especially for those who carry multiple layers of identity that the world may not always embrace with open arms.
Amina Yu is one of those extraordinary individuals who remind us why our mission matters.
She is young, she is Asian, she is Muslim, she wears a hijab, and she carries an Arabic name with pride. In many ways, society might see her as a “visible minority”—someone easy to overlook or sideline because of her background, religion, or gender. But Amina has never allowed these labels to define her. Instead, she has turned them into her strength.
I first met Amina nine years ago. She was a quiet, determined young girl reciting verses in a school Quran competition—already winning hearts and trophies. Even then, her potential was undeniable. Today, that same little girl has become a force to be reckoned with.
Amina is a Hafizah of the Quran, having memorized the entire Quran at the age of 11. By 13, she had earned an Ijazah with Sanad in the recitation of Hafs and Shu’ba according to Imam Asim Al-Kufi—an extraordinary accomplishment at any age. She continues to be a multi-time first-place winner in Quran competitions.
But her brilliance doesn’t stop there. Academically, Amina graduated from high school one year early with a 95% average. She earned top scores in national math and science contests hosted by the University of Waterloo and the Canadian Open Math Challenge. Her exceptional performance earned her the RC Palmer AP Award, the District/Authority Award, and early admission into the UBC Sauder School's Dual Degree Program (Bachelor of Science + Master of Management). She is not just passing courses—she is setting a standard.
As an athlete, Amina now holds a Second Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-Do and has been selected to represent Team Canada at the 2025 ITF World Championships in Croatia. She is a multi-time gold medalist at the Western, Provincial, and National levels—with 14 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals to her name. She will compete in Special Technique Breaking and Patterns at the World Championships. Her journey is a historic achievement for any athlete—let alone one who represents so many intersecting identities.
She will be the first Muslim Hijabi female to represent Canada at this level in Taekwon-Do. Just imagine the image of a young woman in a hijab standing confidently on a world stage, competing among the best—what a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and inclusion for all of us.
And still, Amina gives back.
She is a Sergeant and Platoon Warrant Officer with the 2947 Army Cadets, where she has earned awards such as Top red star, Top Silver Star, Top Senior Marksman, and Most Dedicated Cadet. She is actively involved in the Marksman, Sports, First Aid, and Drill Teams.
She and her younger sister co-founded the “Ramadan 30 for 30 Quran Reading Circle” at their local masjid, donating all proceeds to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine. Amina also helps organize community events like Sisters’ Self Defence classes and Jump Rope Competitions, and volunteers annually at Richmond Doors Open, promoting civic awareness and cultural diversity through both Cadets and her masjid. At school, she is co-President of the Math Club, Vice-President of the Chess Club, and a dedicated Peer Tutor.
At OBRF, we were honoured to support part of Amina’s journey. Now, we invite you to join us in helping her reach the finish line. Amina needs to raise $8,500 to cover the costs of travel, training, and competition fees. With your support, insha’Allah, we can make this dream a reality—not just for her, but for the many young people watching her and learning that they, too, belong.
Let’s stand behind her.
Let’s uplift her voice, her talent, and her determination.
Support Amina. Support the future. Support change.
Please donate using the following link:
https://gofund.me/bed2a2ac
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