Sports Initiative for Syrian Refugees

At our center in Zahle for Syrian refugees summer break has hit and this means time for summer fun! During our regular summer camp we had an emphasis on sport to keep the spirit of play allowing the kids to be kids, something that is so hard when life calls them to take on more responsibilities than normal kids have. 

This is a word from our principal in Zahle:

The summer camp students, both known and some new faces, had the opportunity to go to the soccer field and take part in sports activities and sports games. We were also blessed with some incredible volunteers during the sports camp! They gave their all and provided fun days full of healthy competion in sports. Our volunteers even shared with the kids on how to show good sportsmanship when playing competitive sports as well as other nuggets of wisdom. During the sports camp, the younger kids enjoyed some competitive races, games and playing football. The older kids enjoyed learning about and playing more unfamiliar sports like frisbee and basketball, as well as playing football with the volunteers. Sports camp was a huge hit. The girls in particular were quick learners and did great with frisbee and basketball. The children had a great time playing sports. Many came up to teachers and thanked them for the camp! 

Most of the time these kids during the summer and throughout the year are helping parents with other siblings, working or otherwise taking on responsibilities that kids shouldn't have to worry about yet because of the diffculty of the life of the refugee. Our goal is to let them play and give them a place to grow and dream beyond what they think is possible to what God might have in store for them if they dare to believe it.