A group of young Palestinian athletes have defied all odds with their sheer resilience and grit to chase their dreams to bring international recognition to their besieged country.
They all have faced tough circumstances back in their homeland – from damaged houses to their loved ones being killed in Israeli air strikes.
But the 17-member squad of the Palestinian under-18 volleyball team proudly wears their team jersey as they believe sports can transcend political conflict and build bridges of peace.
In an exclusive interview with the GDN yesterday, the young players, coach and administration staff shared their stories of despair, finding home and forging ahead during the turbulent times with a mission to raise the Palestinian flag in international sports venues.
The team is practising in Bahrain ahead of the 17th Arab Junior Volleyball Championship to be held in Amman, Jordan from Saturday to August 25.
