Syrian Wrestlers Build Academy for Refugee Kids in Egypt

When Amir al-Awad reached Egypt after fleeing Syria, he faced a choice: risk the dangerous Mediterranean crossing to Europe or stay and build something meaningful. The former wrestling champion chose hope over escape.

In 2016, al-Awad and fellow Syrian athlete Adel Bazmawi founded the Syrian Sports Academy in Alexandria's Khaled bin al-Waleed neighborhood. With just $430 in initial funding, they transformed a modest 320-square-foot hall at the bottom of a residential building into a training center for refugee children.

"Let's go, guys, so you have enough time to study," al-Awad shouts encouragingly as children aged seven to ten file in after school. The 34-year-old replaced his Olympic medal dream with a new goal: creating champions who could one day raise Syria's flag again.

The academy offers martial arts, aerobics, ballet, gymnastics, and organizes football tournaments for Arab and African refugees. Pictures of international champions hang on the aging walls, silent reminders of what dedication can achieve.

Bazmawi, now 21, was Syria's freestyle wrestling champion in his age group in 2006 and 2008. In Egypt, his Syrian nationality prevents him from competing internationally, so he channels his passion into coaching instead.

The academy's growing reputation attracted Egyptian parents too. Karima Amer brings both her son and daughter, praising how "Captain Amir" teaches discipline and talks with children about their problems, food, and ethics.

The Ripple Effect

The coaches work unpaid, and 75 percent of students train for free. Older students contribute a token monthly fee of up to $20, just enough to cover electricity and rent.

The academy serves more than 126,000 UN-registered Syrian refugees in Egypt, though the actual number is believed to be much higher. For these families, the program offers structure, community, and hope during uncertain times.

Egyptian children training alongside Syrian refugees learn valuable lessons about empathy and shared humanity. The gym has become a bridge between cultures, proving that sport transcends borders and backgrounds.

Ten-year-old Karim Jalal al-Deen dreams of perfecting his kickboxing skills and returning to Syria as a champion. "I want to go back to Syria as a champion, and beat Captain Adel, and I might even be a kickboxing coach myself," he says with determination.

Despite lacking official licenses and sometimes facing activity cancellations from police, the founders persist. Their commitment shows that even the smallest spaces can nurture the biggest dreams.