Pictured with coaches Reem Nyaz (left) and Hamza al-Zubaidi
(right)
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 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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