Zakat Foundation of America sponsored a sports day for refugee families resettled in the North Carolina area. The event was in collaboration with the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Muslim Students Association (MSA).
More than 100 families attended the event held at a soccer field on UNC’s campus. It also attracted local community members as well as a few university faculty.
Activities included a number of games like soccer, capture the flag, and tug of war. However, the face-painting session was easily the most popular among the children as they rushed to have their faces painted and then have their pictures taken.
“The kids have been complaining that there is no space to play where they live,” says Murat Kose, Zakat Foundation of America’s East Coast Programs Director. “UNC provided their facility to the families so they can have some fun in a safe and secure environment.”
After a full day of games and activities, families relaxed and enjoyed light snacks such as pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, and soft drinks.
“Thanks for bringing us here,” said Owais, a young boy originally from Aleppo, who is also battling cancer. “This is a lot of fun.”
Zakat Foundation of America would like to extend a gracious thanks to all the MSA volunteers for making this event possible, especially Abdurrahman Kamder and the University of North Carolina. Zakat Foundation of America will continue working with UNC MSA students to provide tutoring sessions for the Syrian families. A number of volunteers have already visited their homes to teach English and assist with homework.