Palsport Newsagency

JERUSALEM, June 18, 2009 -  The John Paul II Institution and the Palestinian Football Association signed a partnership agreement in collaboration with the project 'Children without Borders' in Bethlehem earlier this week. The objective of this agreement is to strengthen the foundations and concepts of football to young people as well as developing a basis for the future of the sport developed by creating the first football academic center.

The agreement was signed by the President of Palestinian Football  Jibril Rajoub and Father Ibrahim Faltas. Various important figures were present, including Dr. Khulud Diabisd Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Victor Batarseh, Bethlehem's mayor, Brigadier General Ismail Faraj, director of Palestinian intelligence in the West Bank, the Minister Salah Tamari Affairs Adviser to the President of the settlements and the wall, Colonel Suleiman Amran Bethlehem area commander, Major Khalid Tamimi, director general of police in Bethlehem. In addition, representatives of governmental and civil institutions, the heads of sports clubs, sports personalities, members of the Union, some members of the Olympic Committee and invited guests.

Father Ibrahim Faltas stated this project was established in 2006, and includes 300 children in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Beit Hanina.   Subsequently, 25 children had gone to the Italian city of Milan to participate in an international tournament with 12 countries and won second place. As a result of this great success, it was thought appropriate to expand the project to include Bethlehem.  Hoping that by 2011 the project will include not only Bethlehem, but the Gaza Strip, Jericho and Palestine.

He also revealed the existence of travel arrangements for the month of September for himself with General Rajoub, 16 national Palestinian coaches to leave for Tuscany, Italy to participate in the training course.