Jenin Opens First Women’s Sports Camp

Jenin Opens First Women’s Sports Camp

The sports program in the Jenin CBLAC has been taking off in new directions, engaging more of the community in fun ways to lead healthy and active lives. On May 1, and in honor of Labor Day, a football tournament was held, pitting the RI-SOL youth soccer team against those of other local NGOs and businesses. After a full morning of competition, Sharek Youth Center's team triumphed, and RI-SOL's own team came in third place.

In Al Fariya, a small town in Jenin District, local women's clubs were invited to join in the district's first ever sports camp. Thirteen women took training courses in how to referee and administer games. Further courses in new sports such as handball, volleyball and basketball were also featured, as well as information on nutrition and the importance of physical fitness. For most of the women, this has been their first opportunity to play sports, and participation in the camp itself is a major achievement over social barriers in Jenin. Niveen Arqawe, 19, said of the basketball training, "I’m really excited, this was always just a sport for young men and I never thought I would have a chance to participate."