As a 15-year-old refugee from Pakistan, Ali Muhammad-Jawad knows how isolated he felt as a sports-mad teenager arriving in a new country six years ago.
Now a third-year UCOL Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Wellness) student, Muhammad-Jawad is using his academic might in an effort to rectify that situation for young Palmerston North-based former refugees.
He has been awarded $6400 from Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa through Sport Manawatū, to facilitate his programme that improves access to sport for former refugees.
The four multisport events will take place on Fridays at the Queen Elizabeth College gymnasium, giving an introduction to a variety of sports including basketball, football, netball, frisbee and touch rugby. Two outdoor sessions will cover orienteering and a nature walk with local guides.
The programme is aimed at boys 14-18 years and girls and women 14-22 years.