Young women participating in rowing races in Gaza have great goals
Despite the limited opportunities due to the Israeli blockade, rowing races have been organized in the Gaza Strip. The young women participating in the rowing races have great goals; they have been preparing to join the World Rowing Championships.
RAFIF ESLEEM
Gaza- On September 11, the Palestine Sailing and Rowing Federation organized a boating competition in the Gaza Strip with participation of a number of rowing clubs and teams. The contest included categories for single rowers, doubles, female contestants and people with special needs. 57 young people participated in the boating competition in different categories. After the qualifying rounds, the final stage of the competition began. The races started with only four rowing oars due to limited resources and equipment available in the coastal enclave under the Israeli blockade. A Gazan athlete will participate in the 2022 World Rowing Championships to be held in the Czech Republic. A rowing team consisting of six young women also participated in the boating competition in the Gaza Strip.
“We face difficulties due to the Israeli blockade”
Speaking about the difficulties faced by the federation, Noor Abu Nahl said, “Due to the Israeli blockade, we have limited resources and equipment. We use alternative equipment such as wooden fishing boats and paddle boards. This competition is the first competition bringing women's teams together. We aim to participate in the world rowing championships. The federation tries to provide all equipment to women.”
“We don't care about negative comments”
Hala Al-Sammak, a participant of the boating competition, has done water sports since 2015. “Young women should be supported in every field. Some people cannot bear to see women rowing. We don’t care about their criticism and negative comments. I grew up in a family that supports me to enjoy my hobbies as my fundamental right. I have attended many training courses on water sports, football and music. I worked hard to do what I wanted and I succeeded. I still attend many training courses so that I will participate in international championships. I have already participated in international football matches in Norway and Denmark.”
“We have focused on success”
Another participant of the boating competition was Aseel Al-Jamal. Noting that women are constantly criticized by society, she said, “We are criticized whether we do sports or not. People always find excuses to criticize women. We, as young women, have focused on success. We don’t care about the criticisms.”