Today two of the Spirit Level team headed down to Hyde Park to meet with some of the members of the Palestinian Olympic team, who have been in London for the 2012 games.
The Palestine Olympic Committee was accepted into the Olympic Council of Asia as a provisional member in 1986, allowing Palestine to participate in the Asian Games. Yasser Arafat was made head of the Palestine Olympic Committee in these early days.
Palestine first joined the International Olympic Committee in 1995, being recognised as a competing country but not as a modern state. Palestinian athletes first competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
This year, six athletes travelled to London to compete in the games:
- - Maher Abu Remeilah from Jerusalem, competing in the Men’s 73k Judo
- - Nader Al-Masri from Gaza, competing in the Men’s 5000m Track
- - Ahmed Gebrel, born in Cairo, competing in the Men’s 400m Freestyle Swimming
- - Woroud Sawallah from Shamaliya, competing in the Women’s 800m track
- - Sabine Hazboun from Bethlehem, competing in the Women’s 50m Freestyle Swimming
- - Bahaa Al-Farra from Gaza, competing in the Men’s 400m Track.
It was Bahaa Al-Farra that we met with today, whilst he took time to explore the city. He told us a bit about how his time competing in the 2012 games has been:
How has your time in London been?
It’s been different, London is very different to my home town. Plus it’s been the first time I have visited Europe, and I would really like to get the opportunity to visit again.
How does it feel to be representing Palestine at the London Olympics?
It’s a beautiful feeling, I’m so happy to be representing Palestine, a population that’s been largely forgotten. Even not winning any medals, just being here has been amazing.
Did you enjoy the opening celebration?
It was very interesting, just walking out into the stadium and holding the flag, it’s great feeling you are part of a country, that you are important on the world stage.
What’s been your best moment whilst you’ve been competing in London?
I’d have to say my most memorable moment was walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony, being visible amongst all the other athletes. On a more personal level, competing in the race was an incredible experience.
Do you feel like there has been strong support for the Palestinian team?
If you mean whether people have shown encouragement, then yes. Everyone has been very supportive – people showed us a lot of respect and love, and have supported us as a nation.
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It was really great to meet Bahaa and the rest of the Palestinian Team, and great to learn about their experiences in London for the 2012 Olympic Games- we wish them all the best of luck in the future!
