In the Syrian village of Al-Jina near Aleppo, Wassim Sttot has opened a karate school for children. What makes it special is that girls and boys with and without disabilities are taught together. They are between 6 and 15 years old. With his school, Satot wants to create a sense of community and overcome war experiences — Aleppo was fiercely contested — in the minds of the children.
Sport and fun instead of war and fear
Series, 2nd place. Special Prize by International Committee of the Red Cross
Wassim Stott with disabled and non-disabled children walking in the village of Al-Jina near the training center.
Wassim Stott's mother helps young children before training to put on special sports clothes. Although she is elderly, she is the project manager and Wassim’s biggest assistant.
Wassim Stott and the children practice sports movements with the aim of integrating disabled and non-disabled children and get them out of the atmosphere of war. Special shouting exercises help them get ready for training.
A disabled and a non-disabled child during training in a special karate match. The aim is to integrate the children.
Wassim Stott demonstrates a fighting move to the children. He says the training will help the kids become stronger and teach them to defend themselves in case of war.
A disabled child enjoys himself during training. Mohammed, shown in the picture, is one of the children who interact with and appreciate their coach, Wassim Stott.
Wassim Stott trains disabled children, teaching them movements that force them to get up from the chair so that they feel as if they are healthy.
A little girl looks with great love at her coach, Wassim Stott.
Disabled child Mohammed screaming during training.
Two disabled children talking during a break after training.