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For many aspiring young athletes, training typically occurs within the confines of sports facilities or on designated fields. However, for 11-year-old Wassim Naqqar, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has forced him to adapt his training to unconventional and often perilous environments, including the rubble of demolished buildings, refugee camps, and sandy beaches.
Before the outbreak of the war, Naqqar had already earned the title of champion gymnast within the Palestinian territories. His journey in gymnastics, yoga, and parkour—a sport combining running, vaulting, and acrobatics in urban settings—was abruptly interrupted when he was displaced from northern Gaza back in April as violence intensified.
Though gymnastics remains his passion, the challenging circumstances have compelled him to practice amid the destruction. “When the war started, it destroyed everything,” he reflected. He boasts a deep commitment to gymnastics, stating, “I don’t let anyone beat me at it.”
Tragic Losses Amidst Conflict
Naqqar’s athletic aspirations included participating in competitions across the Middle East, Canada, and India, but the recent hostilities have dashed those hopes. Now, he utilizes any flat surface available, often performing the splits on crumbling concrete or gliding through streets strewn with debris.
The impact of the war has been devastating for Naqqar’s family; many of his relatives, including his brother, sister, uncle, and cousin, have lost their lives in the conflict. His brother had been his staunchest supporter, and the loss has left a profound emptiness. “I have nobody left. Where can we go? There are no more safe places for us,” he lamented.
The onset of hostilities began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have led to extensive loss of life, with reports indicating over 41,000 fatalities, as cited by the Gaza Health Ministry.
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Wassim has been practicing gymnastics on gravel near a refugee camp west of Khan Younis, holding onto the hope of eventually returning to his sports club. Together with his father, he has recently begun coaching about 60 children in gymnastics and parkour to provide them with an outlet for physical activity as the year-long conflict continues.
Setbacks and Hope for the Future
The war has taken a heavy toll on the sports community in Gaza, with estimates indicating that around 300 athletes, coaches, and sports officials have died due to the ongoing violence, according to the Palestine Olympic Committee.
The challenges faced by Naqqar extended beyond the physical destruction surrounding him. His father, Hab Al-Din Naqqar, was detained by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shortly after the family sought refuge in Rafah. After being held for roughly three months, Hab Al-Din acknowledges the compounded emotional toll on his son during this period.
“It felt like pure torture,” Hab Al-Din recalled the distress Wassim experienced while unable to practice gymnastics during his father’s absence. Since his release, the focus has shifted to revitalizing Wassim’s passion for sports. “We’re giving him hope and vitality again,” he expressed, underscoring their commitment to keep his son engaged in gymnastics and parkour.
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In the aftermath of devastation, a group of young men have found solace in parkour, using the rubble as their training ground. Local children occasionally gather to witness the acrobatics performed amidst the remnants of their community.
Reviving an Athletic Community
Together, Wassim and his father have taken the initiative to coach nearly 60 local children in gymnastics and parkour, aiming to instill a sense of normalcy and physical activity in the lives of these displaced youths. The conditions are challenging; many athletes, if not physically injured, are grappling with malnutrition and significant loss of training capabilities.
“Approximately 90 percent of athletes in the region have lost their athletic abilities,” Hab Al-Din noted, reflecting on the broader crisis impacting their community.
Despite these dire circumstances, Wassim embraces every opportunity to train, whether on uneven rubble or through makeshift environments. He clings to the hope of one day returning to competitions and representing Palestine on a larger stage. “God willing, the war will end so I can travel and represent Palestine globally and accomplish my brother’s dream for me,” he concluded, illustrating his resilience and determination amidst unimaginable challenges.
Source
www.cbc.ca