Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
24 May 2006
ADF presents AusAID-funded sports gear to Iraqi youth
The Australian Defence Force in the southern Iraq province of Al Muthanna has presented a large quantity of sports equipment to a youth sports centre in the town of As Samawah.
The gift was funded by the Australian Government international development assistance agency, the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
The commanding officer of the Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Short, made the presentation at an indoor sports stadium in As Samawah to the Provincial Director General for Youth and Sport, Mr Waheed, and Provincial Council Member, Mr Ayhya, who is the head of the Youth and Sport Committee.
To the delight of many young sporting enthusiasts, Lieutenant Colonel Short handed over 250 soccer balls of various sizes, 25 cricket sets and around 50 volley balls.
Lieutenant Colonel Short said that he was very pleased and honoured to be able to give such a gift to the children of As Samawah.
"Australians have a lot in common with the people of Iraq, a love of sport, cold and warm weather, strong families and a love for our children," he said.
The head of the Youth and Sport Committee, Mt Ayhya, said that he was very pleased to receive such an important gift from Australia and that the sporting equipment will be used in the sporting activities planned for the summer school holidays.
After the presentation, Lieutenant Colonel Short and Australian soldiers were treated to an exhibition of European Handball by the local sporting club.
Australia has pledged more than $173 million for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Iraq.
| 20060521adf8099240_045 Commanding Officer Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Short (centre), the Al Muthanna Provincial Director General of Youth and Sport, Mr Waheed (left rear) and the Manager of the Al Samawah Indoor Sports Centre, Mr Fahyz (rear second from left), with Iraqi children and sports equipment presented by the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 21 May 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060521adf8099240_051 Commanding Officer Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Short (centre front), the Al Muthanna Provincial Director General of Youth and Sport, Mr Waheed (rear, second left), and the Manager of the Al Samawah Indoor Sports Centre, Mr Fahyz (rear, third left) with Iraqi children and sports equipment presented as gifts by the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 21 May 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060521adf8099240_053 Commanding Officer Al Muthanna Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Short (centre), the Al Muthanna Provincial Director General of Youth and Sport, Mr Waheed (left rear) and the Manager of the Al Samawah Indoor Sports Centre, Mr Fahyz (rear second from left), with Iraqi children and sports equipment presented by the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 21 May 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060521adf8099240_125 Captain Ian McNab from the Australian Defence Force Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team speaks with an aspiring basketballer at the Al Samawah Indoor Sports Centre. (Date taken: 21 May 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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| 20060521adf8099240_181 Iraqi children play a ball game at the Al Samawah Indoor Sports Centre with equipment presented by the Australian Defence Force. (Date taken: 21 May 2006) Low-res | High-res |
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