MAFREQ, Jordan (May 16, 2025) - Refugee athletes supported by the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) successfully participated in a multi-sport event held in the Mafraq Governorate of Jordan.

 

The Sports Day event was held at the Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Complex under the supervision of the Jordan Olympic Committee, and followed on from the success of the biggest-ever Hope and Dreams Sports Festival earlier this month.

 

A mixed gender team of 20 young athletes from the Zaatari Camp in Jordan performed a Poomsae demonstration and wood-breaking showcase during the day’s vibrant activities.

 

They fully engaged with the local community in the Mafraq Governorate throughout the day, and experienced the positive emotional, social and physical benefits of sport.

 

“I would like to thank THF for giving us the opportunity to participate in such activities. Friday was one of the best days of my life! My friends and I took part in Sports Day and performed a Taekwondo demonstration that was very well received. The atmosphere was incredible,” said Roua Al Mubarak, one of the participants.

 

“We had so much fun with the other athletes, discovered new sports, and many people were impressed by Taekwondo. We made beautiful memories with our friends. We truly appreciate THF’s efforts — through them, we’ve learned and experienced so many things we never thought possible while living in the camp.”

 

Another participant, Lareen Al Khateeb, also expressed her gratitude to the THF for the opportunity.

 

“On behalf of all the children in the camp, I want to thank THF for allowing us to be part of this amazing Sports Day. The activities were wonderful, and we truly felt seen and valued. I was so happy — I can’t even describe it. I felt like a real coach!” she said.

 

“Everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves. I hope we get to relive that day again. My friends and I felt like butterflies — this experience made us love sports even more. We met so many new people, explored different sports, and released all our energy in such a positive way. We truly hope to continue being included in such meaningful events.”

 

The THF launched in 2015 and is approaching its 10^th anniversary. It oversees a range of impactful projects which empower refugees and displaced people around the world, and recently held the 3^rd edition of the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival in Jordan. This was the largest Festival to date, and enabled refugee athletes to showcase their talents in a multi-sport environment.