UNRWA Summer Games Kick Off in Gaza

Earlier this week UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) marked the start of its fourth annual Gaza Summer Games. Fifty schoolchildren, bearing an Olympic-style torch, held a 17km road journey to the UNRWA compound in Gaza City, lighting a flame and heralding a start to the games. The kids are excited and eager to begin the Summer Games, which are needed now more than ever in Gaza.

For eight weeks, 250,000 children will participate in activities, including drama, traditional dances, swimming, sandcastle building, painting and origami. The games come as a reprieve to the children who often can spend long summers without many outlets for learning or fun. It is “a moment of childhood and happiness,” said John Ging, UNRWA’s Director of Operations in Gaza. The games also aim to help improve the traumatized children's physical and mental welfare. To watch a short video of the 2009 Summer Games, please click here.

If you wish to bring happiness to the children of Gaza and support UNRWA’s Summer Games, there is still time. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to American Friends of UNRWA in support of the 2010 Summer Games. Together, we can provide the children of Gaza with a fun-filled summer and hope for the future. Click here to donate today!