Hope and Dreams Sports Festival Brings Joy to Refugee Youth in Jordan
Table of Contents
- Hope and Dreams Sports Festival Brings Joy to Refugee Youth in Jordan
- Hope & Dreams Sports Festival: Bringing Hope to Refugee Youth in Jordan
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival
- What is the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival?
- When and Where is the Festival Held?
- What Sports Are Included in the Festival?
- What is the purpose of the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival?
- Who Organizes the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival?
- What is the Taekwondo Gambling foundation (THF)?
- Who Attends the Festival?
- What is the Significance of Taekwondo in the Festival?
- Where are the Competitions Held?
- what is the schedule of events?
- What future plans are there for the festival?
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival
AMMAN, Jordan (April 29, 2025) – The annual Hope and Dreams Sports Festival, designed to inspire and uplift refugee youth worldwide, kicked off in Amman, Jordan, on Tuesday. The four-day event, running through May 3, offers a variety of athletic competitions and activities.
Expanding the Sporting Opportunities
According to the World Taekwondo Federation, this year’s festival, the third of its kind, introduces handball to the program. Returning sports include taekwondo, basketball, baseball 5, and badminton. A modified 3-on-3 basketball format will also be featured.
Organizers will also donate weightlifting equipment to a local refugee camp and host a weightlifting demonstration.
Humanitarian Efforts
The festival underscores collaborative humanitarian efforts between the World Taekwondo Federation and the Taekwondo Gambling Foundation (THF). The THF, established in 2016 by the World Taekwondo Federation, promotes social obligation through sports-related initiatives.
Competition Details
The competitions take place in Amman and at the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps, home to many Syrian refugees.
Notable Attendees
The event has drawn significant attention from international sports bodies. Attendees include World Taekwondo Federation President Jo Jung-won, Prince faisal Al Hussein of the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) and chairman of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC), and representatives from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
Schedule of Events
The festival began with taekwondo demonstrations and classes at the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps. On May 1,the Taekwondo Gambling Foundation board of directors will meet,and a visit to the Jordan Olympic Committee is planned. The main competitions are scheduled for May 2-3 at Amman Sports City, were the opening and closing ceremonies will also occur.
With special permission from the UNHCR and the Jordanian government, refugee athletes will be allowed to leave the camps to participate.
Taekwondo Focus
Hundreds of taekwondo students from the Azraq and Zaatari camps are expected to participate in the taekwondo events. High-achieving athletes may qualify for future international competitions.
Statements from Leadership
“Through this competition, more refugees and young people have been able to regain their hope of life through sports,” said Cho Jung-won, president of the World Taekwondo Federation.
Cho added that plans are underway to expand the festival to include 10 events in 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the Taekwondo Gambling Foundation.
Hope & Dreams Sports Festival: Bringing Hope to Refugee Youth in Jordan
The Hope & Dreams Sports Festival is an uplifting annual event designed to empower and inspire refugee youth worldwide. Held in Amman, Jordan, the festival provides athletic competitions and activities, offering a much-needed source of joy and chance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival
What is the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival?
The Hope and Dreams Sports Festival is an annual event dedicated to providing refugee youth with opportunities to participate in sports and activities. It’s a platform for them to experience the positive impact of sports, fostering hope and promoting well-being.This year’s festival, the third of its kind, took place in Amman, Jordan.
When and Where is the Festival Held?
The festival took place in Amman, Jordan, from April 29th to May 3rd, 2025. Competitions were held in Amman as well as in the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps.
What Sports Are Included in the Festival?
The festival features a diverse range of sports. The 2025 festival included:
- Taekwondo
- basketball (including a modified 3-on-3 format)
- Baseball 5
- Badminton
- handball (new in 2025)
Weightlifting equipment will also be donated, alongside a weightlifting demonstration.
What is the purpose of the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival?
The primary intent of the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival is to uplift and empower refugee youth by providing them with opportunities to engage in sports and other activities. The festival seeks to instill hope, and provide them with a sense of normalcy, and belonging.
Who Organizes the Hope & Dreams Sports Festival?
The festival is a collaborative effort. It’s primarily supported by the World Taekwondo Federation and the Taekwondo Gambling Foundation (THF). The THF, established in 2016 by the World Taekwondo federation, promotes social obligation through sports-related initiatives.
What is the Taekwondo Gambling foundation (THF)?
The Taekwondo Gambling Foundation (THF) is an organization established by the World Taekwondo Federation in 2016. It focuses on promoting social obligation and positive change through sports-related initiatives. The THF is committed to using sports as a means to build hope and improve the lives of refugee youth.
Who Attends the Festival?
The festival draws critically important attention from international sports organizations and dignitaries. Notable attendees in 2025 included:
- Jo Jung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation
- Prince Faisal al Hussein of the international Olympic Committee (IOC) and Chairman of the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC)
- Representatives from the International University Sports Federation (FISU)
- Representatives from the World baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC)
What is the Significance of Taekwondo in the Festival?
Taekwondo holds a central place in the festival, with hundreds of students from the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps actively participating. High-achieving athletes have the chance to qualify for global competitions.
Where are the Competitions Held?
The competitions take place in two primary locations:
- Amman, Jordan
- The Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps, home to many Syrian refugees.
what is the schedule of events?
The Festival began with taekwondo demonstrations and classes at the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps. On May 1,the Taekwondo Gambling Foundation board of directors met,and a visit to the Jordan Olympic Committee was scheduled. The main competitions were scheduled for May 2-3 at Amman Sports City, where the opening and closing ceremonies also occurred.
What future plans are there for the festival?
Plans are underway to expand the festival to include 10 events in 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the Taekwondo Gambling Foundation. This expansion demonstrates the long-term commitment to supporting refugee youth.
