(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Basketball star Bismack Biyombo has praised Generation Amazing's football for development programme during a recent visit to Al Baqaa refugee camp in Jordan.
Generation Amazing is the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's (SC) flagship CSR initiative and currently operational in five countries. Since its launch in 2010, it has directly benefited more than 30,000 vulnerable people.
The programme in Jordan is managed by Generation Amazing's delivery partner, Right To Play, and as a new Right To Play Athlete Ambassador, the 6ft 7in Orlando Magic centre recently attended an all-girls session at the camp. Afterwards, he said Generation Amazing is having a life-changing impact on participants.
Biyombo, from DR Congo, said: 'The first thing that struck me was the amazing energy all the kids and coaches had. Football, and sport in general, are not accessible to everyone, and seeing these young girls getting a chance to participate, cheer for each other, compete and lead was really refreshing.
'I hope the programme continues as I can see why such an initiative can have a life-changing impact on a kids life.
Generation Amazing launched its Al Baqaa programme in 2015 by building a football pitch and implementing football for development training sessions. The pitch was developed indoors to make it easier for girls to use the facility, unrestricted by social and cultural pressures.
Two on-site Generation Amazing ambassadors have helped to train young people at the camp, which is home to more than 100,000 refugees, historically from Palestine and more recently, Syria.
Spending time in Jordan reminded Bismack Biyombo of his own experiences while growing up in Africa Spending time in Jordan reminded Biyombo, 24, of his own experiences while growing up in Africa.
'I could see myself a few years back in some of these kids, he explained. 'Travelling to Jordan reminded me that not everyone has the same opportunities in life.
Opportunities vary depending on which part of the world you grow up in.
Biyombo continued: 'I just hope to be able to inspire and spread the importance of learning through sports and play. I want to use my story and personal experience of growing up in DR Congo and achieving my dream to play in the NBA, to inspire kids around the world, regardless of the conditions they grow up in.
Rosa D'Alessandro, the SCs CSR International Project Manager, added: 'Its great to see that Generation Amazing participants at Al Baqaa were inspired by Bismacks visit. His journey shows whats possible if you have a dream and work hard to achieve it.
'Bismack understands the power of sport and its ability to change peoples lives. This is what Generation Amazing is all about.
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