SYRIA: Syrian female Olympic hopeful prepares for Beijing

Record ID: 279067

  • Title: SYRIA: Syrian female Olympic hopeful prepares for Beijing
  • Date: 1st July 2008
  • Summary: (MER1) DAMASCUS, SYRIA (RECENT - JUNE 14, 2008) (REUTERS) FADWA BOUZA, A SYRIAN PARTICIPANT IN THE BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES RUNNING FADWA TRAINING IBRAHIM BOUZA, FADWA'S FATHER AND COACH, TALKING TO REPORTER (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IBRAHIM BOUZA, FADWA'S FATHER AND COACH, SAYING: "She reached the required levels set by the international union in more than one competition. The u
  • Embargoed: 16th July 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA4E1OSV47D254LTG36FEA4HM69
  • Story Text: Syrian Olympic athlete Fadwa Bouza, undergoes a rigourous training programme ahead of upcoming games in China.
    Syria's 19 year-old athlete Fadwa Bouza has been undergoing an intensive training in preparation for the upcoming Beijing Olympics, where she will be competing as part of the Syrian team.
    Bouza, who received a scholarship from the Olympic Union, reached the required levels for her age in order to qualify for the games in August.
    Her father and coach, Ibrahim Bouza, says: "She reached the required levels set by the international union in more than one competition.
    The union began to monitor her and follow her performance. Then when the Syrian Olympic committee put forward Fadwa's name, the international union said 'we have been monitoring this girl and we want her to participate."
    Bouza has participated in several Arab and Asian championships and won many medals.

    "I've participated in many Arab youth championships. Here in Syria I won two gold medals in the triple jump and four fastest times for the 100 metre hurdles in 2007. Finally there was the Arab tournament in Egypt where I won a gold medal in the triple jump and a bronze medal in the hurdles. I have also participated in Western Asia and Asian championships," Bouza says.
    She looks forward to the Olympics but says it will be a tough competition.

    "Beijing is a little bit hard but it would be perfect if I scored a good time at the end of the year. Next year I have the first round of the Asian youth tournament which I am looking forward to and hope to do well in," she adds.
    Seven athletes will represent Syria at this summer's Olympic games in China, including two track and field players, three swimmers and two weightlifters.
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