July 14th 2024.
Alaa al-Dali had always dreamed of representing Palestine in the Olympic Games, proudly waving the Palestinian flag. As a pro-cyclist, he spent years training and competing in the Gaza Strip, hoping that one day he would get the opportunity to compete on the world stage. In 2018, that dream seemed within reach when Alaa qualified for the Asian Games. But the reality of living in Gaza meant that leaving the coastal enclave to compete was almost impossible.
As a result, Alaa decided to participate in the Great Return March, a series of protests along the border between Gaza and Israel. He joined the march on his bicycle, dressed in his full cycling gear, to demand his right to leave Gaza and compete as an athlete. However, the Israeli occupation responded with brutal force, shooting Alaa with an explosive bullet that shattered his right leg bone and ultimately led to its amputation.
At just 21 years old, Alaa's life was changed forever. In an instant, he lost his ability to compete in his beloved sport and provide for himself through his career. He felt defeated and as though he had lost everything. However, one thing he never lost was his dreams. Despite the challenges and obstacles he faced, Alaa refused to give up on his dreams and instead, he channeled his passion and determination into creating a para-cycling team for other amputees in Gaza - the Gaza Sunbirds.
The Gaza Sunbirds not only serve as a way for Alaa and his teammates to continue participating in sports, but also as a means of delivering aid and support to their community. In Gaza, where medical supplies and access to healthcare are scarce due to the blockade and ongoing conflict, the amputee crisis is a pressing issue. The Gaza Sunbirds estimate that there are approximately 3,000 amputees in Gaza, many of whom are children. Alaa himself experienced the struggles of obtaining medical treatment outside of Gaza, adding to the challenges faced by those in need of care.
Despite the difficulties, Alaa and his team continue to train and strive towards their ultimate goal - competing in the Paralympic Games. They had their sights set on Tokyo 2020, but the recent Israel-Hamas war and bombings destroyed their bicycles and put their dreams on hold. However, this setback only strengthened their determination to compete and represent Palestine on the world stage. The Gaza Sunbirds are not just a team, they are a symbol of resilience and hope for their community.
Alaa's journey has been one of immense challenges and hardships, but through it all, he has never lost sight of his dreams. And now, as he and his team prepare to possibly become the first Palestinian para-cyclists to compete in the Paralympic Games in Paris, Alaa's message remains the same - to wave the Palestinian flag not just for himself, but for all of Palestine. Despite the ongoing conflict and struggles faced by those in Gaza, Alaa and the Gaza Sunbirds serve as a reminder that determination and perseverance can overcome even the toughest of obstacles.
Alaa al-Dali has a strong desire to proudly wave the Palestinian flag, not just for his own sake, but for the entire Palestinian community. Unfortunately, his dream was shattered when a bullet, which felt more like a grenade, tore into his right leg. This caused severe damage, forcing him to undergo a major surgery where 22cm of his leg bone had to be removed.
Despite this setback, Alaa, a pro-cyclist, had been determined to represent Palestine in the Olympic Games. He had been tirelessly biking up and down the Gaza Strip with this goal in mind. And in 2018, his hard work paid off when he qualified for the Asian Games. However, his joy was short-lived as he soon realized that he couldn't leave the Gaza Strip without a special permit from Israel.
Feeling uncertain about his future in the world of sports, Alaa knew he had to do something to fight for his rights. And so, he decided to participate in the Great Return March, a series of protests along the border between Gaza and Israel. He rode his bicycle and wore his cycling gear as a symbol of his passion and determination to leave Gaza and represent his country on the international stage. However, his peaceful protest was met with violence as he was shot by an explosive bullet, causing him to lose his leg.
Now, at 27 years old, Alaa looks back at that fateful day and recalls how he felt defeated and devastated. Not only did he lose a part of his body, but he also lost his ability to play his beloved sport and achieve his dream of raising the Palestinian flag in front of the world. It was a crushing blow as he also lost his job and means of earning a living wage. But amidst all the loss and pain, Alaa never gave up on his dreams.
He went on to establish the Gaza Sunbirds, a team of para-cyclists who, like him, had lost their limbs in Israeli attacks, including the Great Return March. And now, he is on the verge of making history as one of the first Palestinian para-cyclists to compete in the Paralympic Games in Paris this August. It has been 21 years since the first Palestinian athlete competed in the Paralympics, but never has there been a para-cyclist. Alaa believes that this achievement is not only important for himself and his team, but for all of Palestine.
Unfortunately, only a few members of the Gaza Sunbirds have been able to leave the strip due to the complex border policies that have made it difficult for them to travel. The team had been looking forward to competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but their dreams were crushed by the devastating Israel-Hamas war that destroyed their bicycles and split the team apart.
Despite all the challenges and struggles they have faced, the Gaza Sunbirds remain resilient and determined to make a positive impact in their community. They have been delivering aid to those in need, becoming a crucial lifeline for those facing famine. This is especially important in Gaza, where there is an amputation crisis, with an estimated 3,000 people who have lost their limbs, often without proper medical care and pain relief due to shortages.
Alaa believes that one of the reasons for this crisis is the difficulty for Palestinians to receive proper healthcare outside of Gaza. The 16-year blockade, backed by Egypt, has severely limited the import of medical supplies, and Gazans must go through a long and complicated process to obtain a permit to seek treatment in the West Bank or Israel. And as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, this crisis only worsens.
Despite all the challenges and setbacks, Alaa remains determined to keep fighting and chasing his dreams. He, along with the Gaza Sunbirds, continues to inspire others and bring hope to their community. And with their eyes set on the Paralympic Games, they are determined to make their country proud and show the world the strength and resilience of the Palestinian people.
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