OUR SPORTS
SOCCER
Soccer holds a significant place in the history of PAAA. Led by Palestinian American professional soccer coaches and enthusiasts, the initiative taken by these individuals has greatly contributed to the development of this sport.
Hosting ongoing camps, competitions, and tournaments for youth and all age groups has contributed to the expansion of the sport.
In 2016, the PAAA Under 16 Soccer team proudly represented Palestine in the KICS CUP Chicago Youth International Tournament. The event, held in Downtown Chicago, saw Team Palestine emerge victorious, claiming the championship title.
Some of the top PAAA soccer players who currently play for the Palestine National Team include Mohammad Basim from Chicago and Obadeh Qaddoura from Germany.
In 2019, PAAA collaborated with the Palestinian Olympic Committee (POC) to send the PAAA Soccer womens team to play in various cities in Palestine.
This collaboration led to the recruitment of several women players to join the National Palestine team, including Lana Abedrabbo, Emily Ibrahim, Bedour Al Baitoni, Izabella Ansari, Aleena Amra, Tina, Jihan Dib from Chicago; Camellia and Lillian Nasrah from California; Jada Beads from Seattle; and Charlotte Jafari, the current goalkeeper from Canada.
PAAA Soccer players have traveled to represent Palestine in International tournaments held in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Ireland.
BASKETBALL
Basketball stands out as one of the most popular and widespread sports among youth. Many athletes dream of competing at a national or international level in this highly competitive sport.
PAAA has supported and acknowledged the ongoing passion for basketball by establishing the first Palestinian American team.
In 2017, PAAA took a basketball team of 14 Palestinian American players with family members on a trip to Palestine. The Team was welcomed by the POC, who hosted the team and organized games in 6 cities in Palestine.
During the trip, players on the team toured Palestine learning about their homeland, enjoyed cultural and local events, met officials, and visited historical landmarks, refugee camps and hospitals.
PAAA basketball player Hani Ali from Chicago was given the chance to join the Palestine National Basketball Team after this trip and since has competed as a member of the national team.
GOLF
PAAA has endorsed the sport of Golf for Palestine, which is among the latest sports activities in the region.
PAAA golfer Joey Easmeil from Virginia achieved a historic milestone by representing Palestine at the 2023 Asian Games in China.
With the aim of arranging camps and workshops, the hope is to see more Palestinian athletes achieving success in golf in the future.
SWIMMING
Having an Olympic-sized pool would be a dream for swimmers in Palestine, the lack of one presents a challenge for the Palestinian Swimming Team. The Palestinian Athletic Association is dedicated to promoting and supporting swimming as one of its key sports in the diaspora.
In 2023, PAAA athlete Valerie Tarazi, a Palestinian American swimmer from Illinois, was acknowledged as the top swimming medalist in the Arab Games held in Algeria. Tarazi’s outstanding performances secured 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal for Palestine.
Similarly, Palestinian swimmer from Canada, Yazan Al Bawwab achieved remarkable success by winning 2 Gold medals at the same 2023 Arab Games in Algeria.
Terinzi and Al Bawwab will represent the Palestine Swimming Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Becoming part of the Olympics is a dream come true for every athlete.
CANOEING
In Palestine, sports like canoeing face challenges due to the scarcity of water sources. Therefore, it is essential to encourage the participation of youth and individuals of all ages in these activities.
Amel Yunis from Boston made history as the first Palestinian canoeing athlete to compete internationally. In 2023, Amel Yunis took part in the World Cup of Canoeing in the Czech Republic, earning Palestine a ranking of 23rd globally.
ARCHERY
This legendary sport has experienced a resurgence in 2023, thanks to PAAA training initiatives such as archery workshops and camps, and competitions through educational institutions and sporting clinics. In no time, numerous athletes were drawn in to enhance their abilities.
In 2024, the skilled Palestinian Archers clinched the top spot at the state level and proceeded to compete in the Iowa Bullseye Tournament.
There is a promising future for Palestinian athletes to excel in Archery.
TABLE TENNIS
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Table tennis is a popular and enjoyable social game that brings people together. making it an inclusive activity that fosters community spirit.
Typically hosted at community centers, the Palestine House in Toronto, Canada, has taken the initiative to host many tournaments and provide ongoing support for this sport. As competition grows, skills are refined, and champions will begin to emerge.
CHESS
To promote this intellectual sport, the Palestine House Center in Toronto organizes chess tournaments welcoming participants of all ages.
The growing number of youth and children taking part clearly demonstrates that sports are not limited to physical activity, but also a remarkable mental challenge.
VOLLEYBALL
In 2021, the PAAA organized an open-age Volleyball tournament in Chicago. Eight teams took part in this event to showcase the sport and draw in athletes and fans.
WRESTLING
Interest among the youth in wrestling as a competitive sport has been on the rise. This thrilling sport requires both physical and mental strength. Fostering community engagement has lead to an expanding fan base.
The PAAA partners with wrestling clubs and coaches to support the sport and organize competitions.
PAAA wrestling athletes have proudly represented Palestine in international competitions. For instance, in 2018, Malik Dagash secured a bronze medal for Palestine at the Mediterranean Tournament in Algeria.
Three PAAA wrestlers – Wael El Haj, Mousa Jodeh, and Malik Dagash – participated in the 2023 Asian Games.
And at the Arab Games held in Algeria in 2023, Abdullah Al-Assaf brought home a bronze medal for Palestine.
WEIGHTLIFTING
PAAA successfully recruited the first Palestinian female weightlifter, Sabreen Dari from Ohio, an accomplished athlete who aspired to represent Palestine.
In 2023, Sabreen competed in the Arab Games in Algeria, securing 4th place for Palestine in weightlifting.
Also in 2023, Sabreen Dari was part of the Palestinian team and participated in the Asian Games held in China.
Collaborating with clubs and coaches, PAAA aims to advance this profound sport through a joint mission.
GYMNASTICS
An athletic discipline that combines speed, balance, and strength.
Our primary objective is to support athletes and prepare them for national competitions proudly representing Palestine.
BASEBALL
A highly popular sport in the Americas and Far East, baseball has been embraced by early immigrant Palestinians in North and South America from a young age, and their passion for the sport has only grown over the years.
The Palestinian American Athletic Association (PAAA) established the first Palestinian team in Chicago, where they trained, competed in local tournaments, and supported Palestinian events.
The team flourished, attracting more talented athletes from many regions with the ambition to represent Palestine.
After two years of dedication, the coaches and organizers, in collaboration with the Olympic Committee and Palestine Baseball Federation, successfully entered their first international competition at the West Asia Cup in January 2023. The Palestine team impressed by securing 2nd place, winning 4 out of 5 games.
This achievement qualified them for the Asian Baseball Championship, their second international tournament in December 2023, where they competed against top teams worldwide, finishing 7th and ranking 46th globally.
Additionally, they participated in the Lincoln Cup against Pakistan, emerging victorious in August 2023.
The team, which is expanding, is currently preparing for two more upcoming international competitions. Learn more about team Palestine
TENNIS
PAAA is dedicated to offering equal opportunities for skilled Palestinian athletes living abroad to represent Palestine in tennis. By arranging sports events, they aim to promote the sport and foster community involvement.
A notable event was a Chicago Tennis tournament commemorating Nakba in 2022, featuring three tournament categories that drew 23 athletes.
Tennis and racket sports are enjoyed by individuals of all ages, providing fun and numerous health advantages.
