Photo By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson | A local Iraqi child practices different soccer drills during a reopening ceremony at...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division-Baghdad Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Numerous chants rang loud and clear from the bleachers as though it was a high school pep rally. But this was not a student gymnasium gearing up before a homecoming game against a cross town rival, this was men, women and children of all ages chanting "Iraq is free!" and celebrating the reopening of a neighborhood gym.
Karkh Club Gym officials worked closely with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, to re-open the neighborhood's athletic facility July 13.
"This is a great day for the children of Karkh," said Sharar Hayden, gym manager, Karkh Club Gym. "The kids in this area are always so energetic and excited to play any form of sports, and now they have a beautiful place to hang out. I've already seen thousands of smiles as the kids have been here celebrating with us the entire day."
The project to refurbish the local gym began more than seven months ago and cost just less than $300,000 to complete.
"This makes me proud," said Capt. Jason Felix, a Tuscon, Ariz., native, and project manager with 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "Everyone worked hard together to reopen this gym for the Iraqi citizens."
"It is a good example of what cooperation between the local officials, Iraqi security forces and U.S. Forces, can accomplish," said Felix. "We've helped to improve the security of the region so that the local residents could enjoy a more peaceful community to raise their families."
"The area is a lot safer for both Iraqi security forces and (MND-B Soldiers) operating through these neighborhoods," Felix continued, "but more importantly it is safer for the children to come out and enjoy their youth."
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2008 06:01 |
| Story ID: | 21499 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 225 |
| Downloads: | 216 |
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