Sports center opens in Baghdad suburb

Courtesy Photo | BAGHDAD -- The weight room in the new Baladiat Sports Complex in the east Baghdad suburb offers modern equipment for athletes'both amateurs and professionals. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ben Brody, 2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.21.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Adam Musil
2nd Brigade Combat Team PAO

BAGHDAD -- Iraqi citizens joined with community and civic leaders in Baladiat, a suburb in east Baghdad, to celebrate the grand opening of a Sports Complex Nov. 11.

The new complex boasts a boxing gym, cafeteria, internet café, management office, weight room, showers, wrestling gym, basketball court, tennis court, volleyball, beach volleyball, and a soccer field with outdoor stands.

"Most people like sports. This place will make life better for all the people in the community," said Mr. Ali, a resident of Baladiat and an amateur kickboxer and martial arts expert who enjoyed displaying some of his expertise for visitors to the center.

The project to build the Baladiat Sports Complex was initially set in motion nearly two years ago and cost about $150,000. It was initiated, designed, and managed by the Baladiat Neighborhood Council. A permanent armed Iraqi security detail will help keep the facility safe for all to use.

Talib, another resident of Baladiat, dreams about being in the Olympics someday. At the center's opening, he talked about how the new soccer field will help his team and the community.

"This project gives me more confidence in the Baladiat government. It is a very nice place," he said. "The soccer team we have will play very well here."

Mr. Esmaeel Khalel Salman, an Iraqi boxing champion in 1978, was also on hand for the festivities.

"Under Saddam, we (athletes) had to stay in the shadow, now everyone can come forward and do their best. This project will help the youth see good examples of sportsmanship and what there is to gain from athletic achievement."

Mr. Jasim, who said he"d been boxing for 20 years, said the facility is very good and he is glad the community has such a nice place to exercise.

Jasim and Mr. Odd, a less-experienced fighter, put on a one-round exhibition at the grand opening.

Jasim beat his chest with his gloves as he prepared for his fight with Odd, who was very confident of his chances of winning the bout.

"I will show (Jasim) that I can fight," Odd said, adding, "This is a great ring for us to use."

Mr. Aman, of the Baladiat District Council told those in attendance, "The center will be a big help to our youth and will help to build a more democratic Iraq."

Lt. Col Kevin Farrell, commander of Coalition Forces in Tissa Nissan, was an honored guest at the event and said, "This project shows what happens when Iraqi leadership and Iraqi craftsmanship work together. This is a success story for the sprit of cooperation at the local and district levels."

• Date Taken: 11.21.2005
• Date Posted: 11.21.2005 16:05
• Story ID: 3823
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ