Turkish, Syrian children build friends through football

By Salim Tas

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - A new program is aiming to use sports to build bridges between Syrian and Turkish children in the southern Hatay province.

The Hatay-based Syrian Agency for Rescue (SAR) with the support of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) launched "Promote dialogue and social adaptation through football" project.

Within the framework of the project, 140 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 were brought together in the field. Half of them are Syrian refugees in Turkey.

Coaches train the teams which play football thrice a week.

Mohammad Kindawi, the head of SAR, told Anadolu Agency that the project aims to improve communication between Turkish and Syrian children through football.

Kindawi said they want Syrian children to adapt into Turkish culture.

"We are building a bridge of friendship between Turkish and Syrian children through sports," Kindawi said.

"At the same time, sports keeps children away from bad habits," Kindawi said, adding that the project will last three months.

Both Turkish and Syrian children expressed their happiness at being able to play games and form lasting friendships in the scope of the project.