The Azraq Camp in Jordan marked World Refugee Day with a vibrant celebration featuring a badminton tournament and fun day on Saturday 21 June, bringing together participants and families to honour the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees worldwide.
World Refugee Day is held every year on June 20 to build awareness on refugees and celebrate their spirit in the face of adversity. The Azraq Camp hosts close to 40,000 refugees and is located in northeast Jordan.
Organised by the camp’s badminton team led by coach Naim Saleh Abedalqader Alwaqfi, the event provided an opportunity for competitive play and community bonding for children aged 7 to 18.
The festivities included a thrilling badminton tournament that saw spirited participation from young players within the camp. Isa Mouamer and Maria Faisal emerged singles champions from among 47 participants. Organisers distributed T-shirts and meals, ensuring a festive atmosphere for all attendees. The event was graced by the presence of 12 VIPs and 50 families from the camp, further highlighting the communal spirit of the celebration.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has been working closely with the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) to support refugees at Azraq Camp through a variety of activities aimed at promoting physical well-being and community engagement. Throughout the year, refugees will benefit from regular coaching sessions held three times a week, along with several special events:
- World Refugee Day Badminton Tournament
- World Badminton Day
- Olympic Azraq Camp Badminton Tournament
- Shuttle Time Youth Leadership Award Course
- Teachers’ Day Azraq Camp Badminton Tournament
- Amman Trip: A full day dedicated to competition and learning
The ongoing initiatives by BWF and THF reflect a commitment to providing refugees with not opportunities in sport but also avenues for personal growth and community integration.
“Today’s celebration is a testament to the resilience and unity of our community,” said a representative from the Azraq Camp badminton team. “Through sports and shared activities, we stand together to celebrate the remarkable qualities of refugees around the world.”
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