This post was originally published on this site
With a strong belief in the power of sport to promote peace and solidarity, and inspired by Baseball5’s core values – such as inclusion, gender equality and friendship – the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) reaffirms its commitment to refugees around the world by supporting and promoting projects in Kenya and Jordan.
In 2024, the WBSC, seeking to expand its legacy by reaching other refugee communities, partnered with the African Higher Education Emergency Network (AHEEN), which was interested in adding a team sport to its Athletics & Education program. AHEEN aims to provide displaced youth with opportunities to engage in sports while supporting their transition to higher education and potentially into sports entrepreneurship. The two organisations decided to join forces and collaborate to expand the AHEEN Athletics & Education model by incorporating Baseball5 in Kenya. Together, they are delivering Baseball5 training and offer education to sixty refugee youth in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei integrated settlement, ensuring the development of the refugees’ social-emotional learning skills.
This almost one-year pilot project has achieved remarkable success. The team composed of 60 U-18 Baseball5 athletes (girls and boys) participated in six tournaments and friendly matches, drawing local spectator engagement and fostering cooperation across communities.
Two assistant coaches were trained and the programme received strong parental support. Players showed noticeable improvement in discipline and life skills, with full participation sustained throughout the year.
The Saturday English tutoring sessions delivered by the school teacher and Baseball5 certified coach Denis Mitei and the Durham University Baseball and Softball team featured active involvement, including lively debates and discussions with the athletes. In the coming weeks, new team uniforms will be distributed to reinforce the players’ sense of identity and belonging. The project is also being renewed with a clear commitment to long-term sustainability and the creation of a lasting legacy.
To celebrate World Refugee Day, the Azraq Refugee Team held a training camp from 18 to 21 June 2025, designed to enhance the performance and skills of the young athletes.
A total of 13 players – seven girls and six boys – participated in the activity, led by head coach Amjad Alatoom and assistant coach Reem Hadroos with the support of local coach Qusai Al-Tweisi. During this camp, the team went to four different towns in Jordan: Jerash, Balila, Souf and Amman. They visited for the first time a gym, church, the football academy, a swimming pool and the scout camp in the forests of Dibeen.
The team conducted daily morning and evening training sessions for physical, technical and tactical preparation. The football academy was the opportunity for the team to interact with the local community by playing football and Baseball5 friendly matches. They also had a joint training session with the Jordanian Baseball5 team in Balila at the Maher foundation field, allowing the young athletes to learn from more experienced players.
On 20 June, the group participated in a discussion session on the importance of turning challenges into opportunities for the children to build their academic and athletic future. The children were encouraged to engage in dialogue and communication to discuss the impact of learning and hard work.
“I stand before you today to tell you a story of gratitude and love. A story of love for those who were a joy in our hearts and a smile on our lips, despite the trials, pains, and challenges we faced.”
Mohammad Ali Shehan, Azraq Team member
“We, the Azraq Baseball5 team, were honoured to be invited to participate in the celebration of World Refugee Day, which shines with your warm feelings and noble efforts to work towards solidarity, brotherhood, and building human dignity, and empowering those forced to flee their homes due to wars and conflicts to find refuge in your lands,” said Mohammad Ali Shehan, a member of the Azraq Team.
“I stand before you today to tell you a story of gratitude and love. A story of love for those who were a joy in our hearts and a smile on our lips, despite the trials, pains, and challenges we faced,” he added.
Mohammad Ali mentioned that in the Baseball5 playing field, feet are equal and differences disappear. “And the truth appears that refugees are not a burden but rather energy, not a threat but rather an opportunity, not a stranger but rather a brother in the world of humanity.”
He also said they are driven by hope because they have never lost faith in humanity and hope in justice and safety. “Sport and your supportive activities have been for us not just an activity or entertainment, but rather a cure and healing, a space for freedom, a breath for the soul, and a bridge towards hope”.
