Summary and Translation of Interview with Samar Araj-Mousa

Kul Al-Arab Newspaper - Youth and Sports Section
15 April 2005

Samar Araj is from Beit Sahour. She has a B.A. in Sports Education from the University of Jordan, and she is the Chairperson of the Athletics Department in Bethlehem University. Samar teachers Sports Education and tennis, and she is the volleyball and fitness trainer in Bethlehem University and in area sports clubs. Also, Samar is the General Secretary of the Palestinian Tennis Union and Head of the Soccer Union in Bethlehem. Samar believes that the media in Palestine is neglecting tennis.

Question: Is it true that tennis is for wealthy people?

Answer: Who said that? To the contrary tennis is for everyone. Recently a trainer from the USA visited the Palestinian Territories and trained children in the refugee camps. In Palestine we play tennis regardless of the economic or social status of the player.

Question: Are you in touch with Arab, Asian, and international tennis unions?

Answer: Yes we are always in touch. The World Tennis Federation gave us rackets and balls, and we sent trainers to Jordan and two of the them succeeded and now they are training young people. We also participated in Arab and Asian tournaments, the last of which took place in Amman, Jordan, and Deena Al-Sous from Jerusalem won fifth place. Deena is promising, especially that she is 11 years old.

Question: Are you trying to teach tennis in area schools?

Answer: Yes we are trying to teach tennis in area schools. We have five young players that are good in Bethlehem area and in Gaza. Also we have a tennis training course in Bethlehem University.

Question: Do you have tennis playgrounds in Palestine?

Answer: Regrettably, none of the clubs have a tennis playground according to legal specifications, because such playgrounds are expensive and require special care.

Question: What are your future plans?

Answer: I am hoping to come up with a comprehensive five-year plan for the development of tennis and to spread the game in all areas of Palestine.