L’Aquila was our first stop in Italy, large parts of the city were rebuilt after the 2009 earthquake which killed 300 people. Full of history and warmth, the city reminded us that with steadfastness, Gaza will be rebuilt too.
We had an amazing evening screening the film, meeting so many kind people, and connecting with a packed room. Thank you to everyone who came out and made us feel so welcome.
Grazie, L’Aquila 🇮🇹 Looking forward to seeing you again soon ❤️
Our people cannot be broken
The occupation tried to extinguish life within us and take from our bodies whatever it could
But it never understood that determination cannot be taken and that a spirit raised on resilience can never be defeated
Gaza has always been and will always remain proof that pain does not create surrender but forges a strength that never retreats
Every wound became a story of patience
Every loss gave birth to greater will
And this people will remain standing with unshaken dignity until their dawn is written by their own hands
For me Chiang Mai was a very special experience and it gave me a strong motivation to keep improving It was my first time competing in Asia and at the World Cup level which meant a lot to me I felt proud to represent myself and my country and I was able to achieve an advanced position which gave me more confidence in my abilities It was also my first competition where I earned points toward the Road to the Paralympics 2028 which made it an important milestone in my journey and increased my determination to achieve more in the future" -Abu Ashfour ( @thisisasfour )
The goal has always been bigger than results alone Team Palestine from Thailand to Belgium to Italy As we compete internationally the margins get smaller and the level gets higher but so does the belief that we belong here The road to the LA 2028 Paralympics continues not only to compete but to ensure Palestinian voices are seen and heard on the world stage Even when attempts are made to silence us we continue forward with strength resilience and purpose
Four months on the road.. After an incredible 7th place finish in Thailand that earned Palestine 44 points, our first race in Belgium dropped us back to 24th. We were determined not to leave empty-handed, so we changed strategies.
Alaa rose to the challenge, climbing 4 positions to finish 20th in our next race and securing a single point for Palestine.
Setbacks are part of the journey. A few years ago, we would have never imagined earning a point at this level. Now the standard keeps rising, but this team keeps finding a way. Together, we’ve already earned more than 230 points for Palestine this year 🇵🇸
Gaza Sunbirds
Alaa and Asfour both lost their leg but continue to inspire and compete at paracycling events representing Palestine.
For @gazasunbirds at the World Cup in Gistel.
#GazaSunbirds
