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Zabul athletes receive donated volleyball equipment

  • Published
  • By PRT Public Affairs, Zabul
  • Provincial Reconstruction Team, Zabul
QALAT CITY, Afghanistann --   Members of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul teamed up with local government officials to provide new sports equipment to young volleyball players of Qalat and Shah Joy Districts Aug. 1.

During a ceremony held in Qalat City, 21 teams received volleyballs, nets, new shoes and uniforms. The Zabul Provincial Director of Information, Youth and Culture, Bismullah Ludin, coordinated with the PRT to obtain and donate the equipment. The Zabul Olympic Federation also provided support, as volleyball is one of Afghanistan's nationally recognized sports.

Capt. Shane Futchko, PRT Zabul physician's assistant, led the efforts for procuring and distributing the equipment.

"Providing this gear for more than 250 of Zabul's athletes will allow them to continue training and competing in volleyball," Captain Futchko said. "Fostering teamwork is important to establishing a positive future for Afghanistan's youth."

Captain Futchko also partnered with the Zabul Olympic Federation to provide soccer equipment to nearly 350 athletes earlier this year.

The Zabul Provincial Governor, Mr. Ashraf Naseri, also attended the ceremony to show his support for Zabul's youth. He encouraged the young men to take care of each other and their health. "You are Afghanistan's future," he said, addressing the teams. "Continue to work hard as an athlete and be a role model for the boys who look up to you."