Coinciding with International Day of Sign Languages GOPA-DERD’s team supports the establishment of the first ‎basketball team for hearing impaired in Syria

On the occasion of International Day of Sign Languages, GOPA-DERD’s ORV team in As-Suwayda organized a friendly basketball match between the team of students and graduates of the Institute for Hearing Impairment and the team of Al-Arabi Club, after intensive training that lasted for 3 months. This took place as a response to the need that GOPA-DERD’s team had identified regarding the lack of safe spaces for those with hearing impairment to practice their interests and hobbies, in addition to their desire to learn basketball. Therefore, GOPA-DERD’s team contacted the Sports Federation to prepare and train a basketball team consisting of 12 male and female players whose ages range between 18 and 28 years. In addition, the hall was provided for free throughout the training period.

The local community interacted by providing the team’s special clothing, with the aim of supporting this group and enhancing their integration into society.

It is worth noting that this team is considered the first basketball trained team in the country.