Latest news with #Olympic-standard
Kuwait Times
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Iraqi women table tennis players chase Paralympic dreams
DIWANIYAH: Iraqi table tennis player Nur al-Huda Sarmad adjusts her wheelchair before striking the ball into play, braving sweltering heat, social stigma and inadequate facilities as she dreams of taking her team to the Paralympics. Sarmad and seven other Iraqi women who live with disabilities train three times a week at a community center in the southern city of Diwaniyah, preparing for an upcoming tournament that could qualify them for the national Paralympic team. The facilities, however, are far from Olympic-standard. 'The tennis tables are broken, there are power outages and we even have to buy our own paddles,' said Sarmad, 25. With no dedicated training facility, the team often has to share the three second-hand tables at the public community center with visitors. In the scorching Iraqi summer they cannot turn on the fans, which would disrupt the movement of the balls. And the air conditioner that could provide some relief remains off-limits in a country grappling with chronic power cuts, especially in summer when temperatures approach 50C. The community center is powered by a generator, but it can barely sustain the essentials. These practical issues 'affect our training' and hinder the players' progress, Sarmad said. The team also faces obstacles in the form of insufficient government funding for sports, and conservative views on women's rights and people with disabilities. Paralympic champion Najlah Imad, the first Iraqi to snare a gold medal in table tennis, told AFP that 'despite the difficult circumstances, nothing is impossible'. Imad, who now relies on sponsorship deals, encouraged her fellow players to keep fighting. 'You can do anything,' she said. No support Sarmad, who has already won several medals including bronze in a tournament in Thailand, takes pride in the fact that despite the many challenges, 'we overcame all this, we became players'. The state-owned community center provides the team a stipend equivalent to $75 a month to cover transportation costs, but the players had to purchase their professional paddles, at a cost of $200, out of their own pockets. The players often have to rely on taxis to travel to training sessions and back, but 'sometimes cabs refuse to take disabled people', said Sarmad. Coach Mohammed Riyad, 43, said that table tennis 'has developed in Diwaniyah solely through personal efforts... due to the lack of support from the state'. Riyad, a member of the Iraqi Paralympic Committee, said that funding sports was not a priority in a country where decades of conflicts, neglect and endemic corruption have devastated infrastructure. Through the Paralympic Committee, he has managed to acquire old equipment for Sarmad and her fellow players. He said that 'the state only focuses on football, despite the achievements of table tennis players' like Imad, who brought home the Paralympic gold from the 2024 Paris Games. Iraq has a long tradition of women's sports, with teams competing in regional football, weightlifting and boxing tournaments. But there is also vocal opposition seeking to exclude women and bar mixed-gender events. In southern Iraq, a largely conservative area where Sarmad's team is based, organizers of a marathon last year had made it a men-only event after a social media controversy over women's participation in sports. Iraqis living with disabilities often face additional challenges amid a general lack of awareness about their rights and inclusion. For award-winning table tennis player Iman Hamza, 24, society mistakenly sees women with disabilities like her 'as helpless people who cannot do anything'. 'But we became world champions.' — AFP
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Iraqi women table tennis players chase Paralympic dreams
Iraqi table tennis player Nur Al Huda Sarmad adjusts her wheelchair before striking the ball into play, braving sweltering heat, social stigma and inadequate facilities as she dreams of taking her team to the Paralympics. Sarmad and seven other Iraqi women who live with disabilities train three times a week at a community centre in the southern city of Diwaniyah, preparing for an upcoming tournament that could qualify them for the national Paralympic team. The facilities, however, are far from Olympic-standard. "The tennis tables are broken, there are power outages and we even have to buy our own paddles," said Sarmad, 25. With no dedicated training facility, the team often has to share the three second-hand tables at the public community centre with visitors. Disabled Iraqi table tennis players compete during a training session at a community centre in Diwaniyah. AFP In the scorching Iraqi summer they cannot turn on the fans, which would disrupt the movement of the balls. And the air conditioner that could provide some relief remains off-limits in a country grappling with chronic power cuts, especially in summer when temperatures approach 50˚C. The community centre is powered by a generator, but it can barely sustain the essentials. These practical issues "affect our training" and hinder the players' progress, Sarmad said. Disabled Iraqi table tennis players compete during a training session at a community centre in the southern city of Diwaniyah. AFP The team also faces obstacles in the form of insufficient government funding for sports, and conservative views on women's rights and people with disabilities. Paralympic champion Najlah Imad, the first Iraqi to snare a gold medal in table tennis, told AFP that "despite the difficult circumstances, nothing is impossible." Imad, who now relies on sponsorship deals, encouraged her fellow players to keep fighting. "You can do anything," she said. NO SUPPORT Sarmad, who has already won several medals including bronze in a tournament in Thailand, takes pride in the fact that despite the many challenges, "we overcame all this, we became players." Disabled Iraqi table tennis players gather with others around a table before a training session at a community centre in Diwaniyah. AFP The state-owned community centre provides the team a stipend equivalent to $75 a month to cover transportation costs, but the players had to purchase their professional paddles, at a cost of $200, out of their own pockets. The players often have to rely on taxis to travel to training sessions and back, but "sometimes cabs refuse to take disabled people," said Sarmad. Coach Mohammed Riyad, 43, said that table tennis "has developed in Diwaniyah solely through personal efforts ... due to the lack of support from the state." Disabled Iraqi table tennis players compete during a training session at a community centre in Diwaniyah. AFP Riyad, a member of the Iraqi Paralympic Committee, said that funding sports was not a priority in a country where decades of conflicts, neglect and endemic corruption have devastated infrastructure. Through the Paralympic Committee, he has managed to acquire old equipment for Sarmad and her fellow players. He said that "the state only focuses on football, despite the achievements of table tennis players" like Imad, who brought home the Paralympic gold from the 2024 Paris Games. Iraq has a long tradition of women's sports, with teams competing in regional football, weightlifting and boxing tournaments. But there is also vocal opposition seeking to exclude women and bar mixed-gender events. In southern Iraq, a largely conservative area where Sarmad's team is based, organisers of a marathon last year had made it a men-only event after a social media controversy over women's participation in sports. Iraqis living with disabilities often face additional challenges amid a general lack of awareness about their rights and inclusion. For award-winning table tennis player Iman Hamza, 24, society mistakenly sees women with disabilities like her "as helpless people who cannot do anything." "But we became world champions." Agence France-Presse
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Iraqi women table tennis players chase Paralympic dreams
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Disabled Iraqi table tennis player Nur al-Huda Sarmad uses a net to pick up balls during a training session at a community centre in the southern city of Diwaniyah on July 8, 2025. A group of Iraqi women who live with disabilities train three time a week, preparing for an upcoming tournament that could qualify them for the national Paralympic team. Diwaniyah – Iraqi table tennis player Nur al-Huda Sarmad adjusts her wheelchair before striking the ball into play, braving sweltering heat, social stigma and inadequate facilities as she dreams of taking her team to the Paralympics. Sarmad and seven other Iraqi women who live with disabilities train three times a week at a community centre in the southern city of Diwaniyah, preparing for an upcoming tournament that could qualify them for the national Paralympic team. The facilities, however, are far from Olympic-standard. 'The tennis tables are broken, there are power outages and we even have to buy our own paddles,' said Sarmad, 25. With no dedicated training facility, the team often has to share the three second-hand tables at the public community centre with visitors. In the scorching Iraqi summer, they cannot turn on the fans, which would disrupt the movement of the balls. And the air conditioner that could provide some relief remains off-limits in a country grappling with chronic power cuts, especially in summer when temperatures approach 50 deg C. The community centre is powered by a generator, but it can barely sustain the essentials. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole removed; road remains closed for repairs Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Life Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Singapore For Singapore to do well, PAP govt has to continue to hold its own: SM Lee Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes These practical issues 'affect our training' and hinder the players' progress, Sarmad said. The team also faces obstacles in the form of insufficient government funding for sports, and conservative views on women's rights and people with disabilities. Paralympic champion Najlah Imad, the first Iraqi to snare a gold medal in table tennis, told AFP that 'despite the difficult circumstances, nothing is impossible'. Imad, who now relies on sponsorship deals, encouraged her fellow players to keep fighting. 'You can do anything,' she said. Sarmad, who has already won several medals, including bronze in a tournament in Thailand, takes pride in the fact that despite the many challenges, 'we overcame all this, we became players'. The state-owned community centre provides the team a stipend equivalent to US$75 (S$96) a month to cover transportation costs, but the players had to purchase their professional paddles, at a cost of US$200, out of their own pockets. The players often have to rely on taxis to travel to training sessions and back, but 'sometimes cabs refuse to take disabled people', said Sarmad. Coach Mohammed Riyad, 43, said that table tennis 'has developed in Diwaniyah solely through personal efforts... due to the lack of support from the state'. Riyad, a member of the Iraqi Paralympic Committee, said that funding sports was not a priority in a country where decades of conflicts, neglect and endemic corruption have devastated infrastructure. Through the Paralympic Committee, he has managed to acquire old equipment for Sarmad and her fellow players. He said that 'the state only focuses on football, despite the achievements of table tennis players' like Imad, who brought home the Paralympic gold from the 2024 Paris Games. Iraq has a long tradition of women's sports, with teams competing in regional football, weightlifting and boxing tournaments. But there is also vocal opposition seeking to exclude women and bar mixed-gender events. In southern Iraq, a largely conservative area where Sarmad's team is based, organisers of a marathon in 2024 had made it a men-only event after a social media controversy over women's participation in sports. Iraqis living with disabilities often face additional challenges amid a general lack of awareness about their rights and inclusion. For award-winning table tennis player Iman Hamza, 24, society mistakenly sees women with disabilities like her 'as helpless people who cannot do anything'. 'But we became world champions.' AFP
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Scotsman
Stay rugged, stay rejuvenated: experience a double escape in Edinburgh
Nestled within ancient hills and cradled by windswept coastline, Edinburgh is a rare city where the outdoors is always a (cobble)stone's throw away. Whether you're up for the challenge of climbing all seven hills in a day or prefer to nourish your body with beach yoga or forest bathing, a trip to the capital offers a 'choose your own adventure' with every sunrise over the Forth. One thing will become clear with each day of discoveries: it's not a city to rush through. It pulls at you to slow down, stay a week or more and settle into a true escape. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Forever Edinburgh has unveiled 'Stay Different', a bold new three-year campaign that invites visitors to experience a deeper, richer side of Edinburgh by crafting their own 'split-stays'. The campaign spotlights Edinburgh as one city, two or more completely different stays: a place where visitors can stay longer and connect more deeply by enjoying multiple distinct experiences in a single stay, whether that's adventure and wellbeing, heritage and nature, food and culture, or endless other possibilities. In Edinburgh, adventure and relaxation coexist harmoniously. After getting active in the city's abundant green spaces and world-class outdoor centres, there's no need to book a separate holiday to unwind. Stay for longer and treat yourself to the soothing side of the city. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh is a destination that rewards the bold, inviting thrill-seekers to push boundaries and chase new perspectives. See the sights on two wheels with Ricky's Bicycle Tours, a friendly, local-led experience that offers a scenic ride through Arthur's seat, a city-to-shore tour, or lets you design your own custom route. Then trade cityscape for seascape with Seafari Adventures, whose high-speed wildlife cruises depart from historic South Queensferry and whisk you across the Firth of Forth estuary, past dramatic cliffs and castle-topped islands. Forever Edinburgh are inviting visitors to 'Stay Different' and explore the cities rugged side If you're craving a dizzying adrenaline hit, venture over to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, the largest indoor climbing arena in Europe, built dramatically into a disused quarry. It's home to 300 routes, a soft play, gym, and as of 2025, a brand new Olympic-standard bouldering zone. Prefer your thrills with a splash? Just outside the city, the world's first inland surf destination, Lost Shore Surf Resort, offers a truly unique rush. Founded by Scottish surf enthusiast Andy Hadden, who brought revolutionary Wavegarden technology home after seeing its potential abroad, the resort caters to all abilities and the whole family. Alongside perfectly timed artificial waves, you'll find spa and wellness facilities, a canteen serving delicious local produce, and waterfront lodges if you want to settle in for a full-on retreat. When it's time to slow down, Edinburgh's wellness side offers space to breathe, reflect and recharge. Much like its outdoor adventures, the city's restorative experiences span coast, hills and hidden corners. Start the day right with Adventure Yoga, who teach grounding classes set in the woods, hilltops, or beaches. Then follow it up with some coastal calm, from cold dips in the sea at Portobello Beach to woodfired sauna bliss at Soul Water Sauna. Food also plays its part in feeling good: The Edinburgh Free Company, a family-run farm-to-table restaurant at the foot of the Pentland hills, serves organic meals grown on-site and shared at communal candlelit tables. For mindful creativity, drop into Doodles in Marchmont or Honey Pot Creative Café in South Queensferry – relaxed neighbourhood hubs where you can paint ceramics while chatting over a hot drink. But the city's not all mud and mindfulness - it's alive with music, art, and unforgettable flavours. You might find yourself immersed in a world-class production at the Lyceum Theatre, then enjoy some live music at Stramash, in the heart of the Old Town with live bands seven days a week. All kinds of genres play from folk to indie pop-rock, to acoustic-rock to blues and ceilidhs. Graze through global street food stalls at Edinburgh Street Food or treat yourself to a Michelin-starred tasting menu at Lyla. Edinburgh invites you to build your day like a playlist: weaving together high-energy moments and peaceful interludes, at your own pace. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And it's a city that makes switching gears easy. With Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams crowned the UK's 2024 bus and tram operators of the year, hop between hillside, beach, neighbourhoods and surrounding towns in under an hour, with award-winning convenience and comfort. Forever Edinburgh are inviting visitors to 'Stay Different' and explore the cities rugged side Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, added: 'Stay Different is a celebration of what makes Edinburgh so uniquely compelling – a city where you don't have to choose between vibrant culture and serene landscapes, because you can have both in one visit. With our one city, two stays approach, we're encouraging visitors to experience Edinburgh as a split-stay destination where you might spend the morning discovering centuries of history, galleries and festivals in the bustling city centre, and the afternoon unwinding with a coastal walk or forest meditation just a few miles away. Stay Different isn't about a collection of attractions – it's a new way to think about travel, where you can fall in love with one side of the city and then another. Be a culture critic one day, take a foodie's tour the next, live like a local the day after that. Spend one night on a cosy canal boat, and the next in a decadent hotel. And venture outside the centre to discover the diverse personalities of Edinburgh's neighbourhoods, from the creative buzz of Leith to the tranquil charm of Bruntsfield. It's a way to return home with meaningful memories, not just a completed checklist. This is just a glimpse of what Edinburgh has to offer; there's more to discover, feel, and be inspired by. Don't just visit Edinburgh, Stay. Plan your longer trip today and discover sides of the city you've never seen before.
Otago Daily Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
New community pool raking in architecture awards
Small but mighty might be the new tagline for a small Central Otago town better known for pies and apples than architectural genius. Roxburgh's swimming pool — the Ida MacDonald Punawai Ora community pool — has been scooping awards since its opening at the end of 2023. The latest accolades were both delivered on June 13, a Friday that was anything but unlucky for the dedicated pool committee, along with architects the Hierarchy Group and project managers Inovo. Pool committee chairwoman Sally Feinerman was in Auckland with the Hierarchy and Inovo teams at the Property Council Industry Awards when she found they had won an award in Queenstown. "I got a text from Sarah [Browne, fellow Central Otago District councillor] saying we had won," Mrs Feinerman said. The pool was a winner in the public architecture category at the New Zealand Institute of Architects' southern awards and was up for the national award in November. Later that evening, the pool was awarded merit in the Tourism and Leisure Property section at the Property Council Industry Awards. "It was unbelievable," Mrs Feinerman said. That there were 1500 people at the Auckland awards event — nearly three times the population of Roxburgh — made the award even more surreal, she said. They were up against the Deloitte Centre — a mixed-use precinct including a 139-room hotel which occupies an entire block in Auckland's city centre — and Auckland University's Hiwa Recreation Centre, 26,000sqm of recreation facilities, including Olympic-standard equipment and an aquatic hall with an eight-lane stainless steel 33m x 20m pool, diving well and spa pool, which had a budget of $320 millon. In contrast, the Roxburgh pool had a hard-won budget of $3m and boasts a 25m four-lane heated main pool, a 10m learners' pool and a toddlers' beach pool. Hierarchy architect Chris Wheeler said the pool was a love project for the Auckland firm, in part thanks to his southern roots. "Dunedin is my home town. Central was our playground as a teen. I'm a true Highlanders supporter and Speight's drinker." A shoulder tap from mate Gary Altenburg, who was heading to Roxburgh for his high school's 50th reunion, was Mr Wheeler's first involvement. The existing swimming pool was at the end of its life and uneconomic to repair. Suggestions, including bussing people to Alexandra's pool, were being floated. Mr Altenburg asked if Mr Wheeler could knock up a design to take to the reunion. "In two weeks. For free." Post-Christchurch earthquakes there were a lot of container buildings being built and the original design was for a new pool with a small cafe to off-set costs. "I gave him a2 boards with glossy pictures and he set them up on an easel at the reunion." There was so much enthusiasm and people and contractors wanting to donate, they realised the idea had legs. From that, the fundraising committee was born, he said. Hierarchy sister company Inovo became involved, with project manager Dave Lang arranging the budget and works programme. Years of hard work raising money followed, Mrs Feinerman and pool committee deputy chairman Rick Kristal being key to the project's success, Mr Wheeler said. It was humbling to see the attention it had got, he said. "I'm pretty proud of it. The whole community should be proud, it is a true community project." The Central Otago District Council will take over ownership next month after the committee struggled with operational problems. Judges at the Institute of Architects' awards praised Hierarchy for blending practicality, sustainability and sculptural design.
