PACES launches 2019 sports programme in Jordan

AMMAN — The Palestine Association for Children’s Encouragement of Sports (PACES) has recently launched its 2019 programme in Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

The organisation aims to provide structured after-school programmes for Palestinian boys and girls living in refugee camps and vulnerable areas aged seven to 16, the statement said, adding that it plans to support 4,225 boys and 1,450 girls in Jordan this year by enrolling them in its sports programme. 

The children will be offered weekly football, basketball and volleyball training sessions free of charge starting this month and ending in November.

Through its sports-based programme and other activities, children are given an escape from idleness, according to the statement. PACES also offers non-sports-based activities to support children’s social development including awareness sessions and workshops, while recruiting young men and women to train and hire as coaches for its programmes.

Additionally, PACES partners with local clubs and sport centres in marginalised areas to improve their capacity. PACES partnered with 70 clubs in Palestine, 23 clubs in Jordan and 21 clubs in Lebanon in 2019, according to the statement, which added that the organisation has also successfully reached and maintained a 50 per cent female participation rate.