On December 6, 2022, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and ANERA marked the completion of the upgraded Gaza Sports Club. The event took place in Jerusalem with USAID/West Bank and Gaza Deputy Mission Director Jessica Zaman and Anera’s Palestinian Community Infrastructure Development Program Chief of Party Mr. Rabah Odeh in attendance. In Gaza, Anera’s Chief Development Officer Mr. Derek Madsen joined Board Members of the Gaza Sports Club Mr. Ahmad Al Shawwa and Mr. Basil Naser.
Prior to this upgrade, the Gaza Sports Club struggled to meet growing demand due to limited facilities. Now, it can serve over 4,000 people annually from Gaza City and nearby areas.
USAID contributed nearly $519,000 for renovations that included recreational spaces like a high boundary wall, an upgraded 7-A soccer field, an indoor basketball court, a new 5-A soccer field, outdoor basketball/volleyball court, tennis courts, and a running track.
The expanded facilities allow for more sports activities such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis and track events. This expansion supports women's participation in sports and ensures accessibility for persons with disabilities through newly-installed handicap-accessible bathrooms.
USAID emphasizes its commitment to enhancing Palestinian lives by providing over $110 million in development aid to West Bank and Gaza last year alone. Over three years, they aim to deliver more than $500 million in programming support for Palestinians.
In Gaza specifically, USAID's assistance targets COVID-19 health responses, income generation projects, water access improvement initiatives among other critical relief efforts.