Baghdad's newly opened skate park provides safe space for Iraqi youth desire

Bagada- Car bombs and armed attacks are no longer the daily concern of Baghdad's streets, because they have been chaotic in Saddam Hussein for several years, and they are no longer in the battle to delay the Islamic State Group's struggle.

However, despite the decrease in violence, many young Iraqi people said their opportunities are still limited.

Bagdad is a city with nearly 9 million cities that has seen some efforts to restore parks and cultural space, but urban planning basically ignores youth -centric projects.

This may begin to change.

This weekend opened its first skate park at the ceremony of foreign diplomats, sports officials and young athletes participating in the participation of sports officials, and young athletes. Many hopes to become the beginning of more entertainment venues and creative expression space.

“I have been waiting for this moment for five years,” Mohammed Al-Qadi, 19, said that this was one of the earliest tourists in the park on Saturday.

Like many skaters in Baghdad, many skaters are designated.

He said: “In the past, we were often forced to move or injured because we didn't have any appropriate places.” “Now, we have a safe space. I hope this is just the beginning.”

The facility is located in the youth and sports complex near the Al-SHAAB International Stadium, which has completed the support of Germany and French embassies within three weeks.

The project emphasizes international interest in developing Iraq's sports infrastructure, especially for activities other than the country's traditional attention on football.

Alkadi (Al-QADI) and other enthusiasts are now promoting the establishment of a national ice skating federation, which may pave the way to participate in international competitions (including the Olympic Games).

“We now have 25 men and female skaters, but with this park, this number will definitely grow,” Alkadi said.

Although the resistance to girls participating in this sport continued social resistance, skate parks also inspired the enthusiasm of female skaters.

Rusul Azim, 23, said: “I hope we finally have a place where training to participate in international competitions.” He participated in the opening ceremony of sportswear and turban.

In Iraq, skating is still not as popular as football and other mainstream sports, but Azim said that she believes that new facilities will encourage more young people (especially women) to accept this activity.

Although her family did not agree with skating, the 27 -year -old Zainab Nabil came to the park to open.

She said: “I also show that women also belong to this sport. I hope that men and women have different days, so more girls will feel comfortable.”

At present, a slide park has taken a small but important step, providing their own status towards young people in Iraq. Many people hope that this will be the first among many people.

“We need more such places-young people can be active, express their safety space, and dream of greater things.”

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Martini reported from Iraq's Iraqi.