Palestine For All: Youth’s message using sport
Gaza- Yalla Change
On Thursday, March 7, participants in the Yalla Change project launched a bicycle marathon under the slogan “Palestine For All” on the coastal road west of Gaza City, as one of the initiatives that contribute to shedding light on social issues using sport.
Almost 100 young men and women took part in the marathon along side representative of local and international NGOs operating in the Gaza Strip. The race lasted 5 kilometers on the coastal road in Al-Sodania area north of Gaza. The marathon came in partnership with the Palestinian Cycling Federation and the Palestinian Sport Culture Association.
Mahmoud Zant, Executive Director of the Forum said that the marathon is one of the activities supporting the role of sport to spread youth’s messages towards community reconciliation and promoting values of citizenship. It sends a message that Palestine is still For All despite the complexities of internal political reality. The initiative also embodies the ideals of partnership, especially with sports’ union and local NGOs here in Gaza.
“Palestine for All Marathon is a true partnership of the Cycling Federation with civil society organizations. This event was a continuation of the role of civil society organizations in activating and renewing youth’s interest in sports, especially cycling and employing sport in their activities.”, Dr. Said Tamraz, Vice President of the Palestinian Cycling Federation.
Ghazi El-Khaldi, one of the marathon organizers said, “Our participation as young people in the marathon was a unique experience. We’ve learned so much and we’re truly implemented the Palestine For All slogan”.
Raneen Zaanin, raced in the girls’ marathon and won third place. It was her first time playing sports on this level and we would for such activities to continue.
Palestine For All Marathon comes as part of a series of youth initiative implemented by Social Developmental Forum through Yalla Change project.