Squash Dream Fulfilled For Syrian Refugees
Via Neutral WSF Flag
On the eve of World Refugee Day, initiated by the United
Nations in 2001, a unique effort to enable Syrian refugees to build
upon their squash and educational support and participate in
international squash events will be provided by the World Squash
Federation.
Squash Dreamers
is a non-profit initiative, conceived by Jordan-based American
Clayton Keir, which is dedicated to training refugee Syrian girls in
Squash and English.
The WSF, with the backing of the Jordan Squash Federation, has
welcomed these displaced Syrians - pictured below with coaches Reem Nyaz
(left) and Hamza al-Zubaidi (right) - by giving them a route to
participate in international events. In the absence of a Syrian squash
federation, the WSF will create a neutral World Squash
flag to enable them to enter such championships.
Furthermore, Hong Kong Squash has already agreed to sponsor these
players to participate in the 2018 Hong Kong Junior Open by
providing complimentary accommodation for four players and officials.
"We believe that sports and education can empower young women to rise
above difficulties, improve their lives, and make positive impacts in
their community,"
explained Keir. "Through squash and English, we are offering these
girls opportunities to enrol in or be recruited by prestigious academic
institutions.
"In order to be recruited for their squash skills, the girls must
compete in international tournaments and demonstrate their prowess on
the court.
"We are grateful to both the World Squash Federation and Hong Kong
Squash that the girls can now participate in a world-class tournament
this summer."
WSF President Jacques Fontaine
added: "The World Squash Federation looks to provide all athletes
with equal opportunities and a safe environment for training and
competition. The refugee team's participation in the 2018 Hong Kong
Junior Open is just one example of what Squash is doing around the world
to reach this goal.
"As Squash is bidding to be included in the Olympic Programme, the sport
is proud to share the same spirit with the IOC when it comes to
supporting displaced communities and assisting young people in their
integration through sport.
"The combined efforts of Clayton Keir, Jordanian Squash and Hong Kong
Squash means that these girls have an opportunity that until now they
could only have dreamed of! We are happy to help all the way."
David Mui,
MH JP, the Chairman of Hong Kong Squash, concluded: "To echo the
great initiative of Squash Dreamers, Hong Kong Squash is very delighted
to welcome the junior Syrian Refugee players to our largest
international junior tournaments 'Hong Kong Junior Squash Open 2018'
held in this summer.
"We believe that this would not only be a great opportunity for the
junior Syrian Refugee players to take part in a tournament and
experience the city of Hong Kong but also help our Hong Kong and other
Asian juniors to understand the key value of 'Olympism' - to contribute
to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport
practiced. This all-win situation would be of great benefit to all
parties involved that Hong Kong Squash would be honoured to be part of
it."
For further information about Squash Dreamers or to offer support they
can be contacted at
squashdreamers@gmail.com - or on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/SquashDreamers/
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