Gaza trains 1,000 new karate athletes among rubble and tents

Children and teenagers, including people with disabilities, performed karate outside the destroyed Rashad al-Shawa Cultural Center in Gaza City, marking an initiative through which the Palestinian Karate Federation said it had trained 1,000 new athletes despite the destruction of gyms and clubs.

Hundreds of children and teenagers, including people with disabilities and amputees, performed karate on Tuesday, October 20, outside the destroyed Rashad al-Shawa Cultural Center in western Gaza City, marking the culmination of training held among the rubble and in displacement camps.

1,000 new dreams

The Palestinian Karate Federation announced that it had trained 1,000 new athletes through the initiative, which carried the slogan “1,000 new dreams born among the rubble.” Coaches turned tents and open spaces into training venues after dozens of sports fields and facilities were completely or partially destroyed.

Hassan al-Raie, the federation’s deputy president, said sport in Gaza “is not a luxury, but a space for psychological and social recovery,” explaining that the aim was to help children overcome the psychological effects of the war. The performance featured international blind karate athlete Moamen al-Bitar, while the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate helped organize the event.

Rama al-Suwair, a child participating in the performance, said training had helped her break through the isolation and psychological pressure caused by the war. Parent Mohammed Hamada said karate had taught his children discipline and good morals.

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