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Draft:PK Gaza (Gaza Parkour)

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PK Gaza, also known as Gaza Parkour, is a parkour and freerunning team based in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The team was formed in 2005 by a group of local athletes inspired by parkour videos online. Despite the limitations of living in a conflict zone, PK Gaza has drawn attention for its efforts to practice parkour under challenging conditions. The team uses parkour as a method for overcoming physical and emotional barriers in an area heavily impacted by conflict.[1][2][3]

History

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'PK Gaza' was founded in 2005 by Mohammed Al-Jakhbir and Abdallah Enshasi, along with other athletes in Gaza. Parkour, a sport focused on efficient movement through and over obstacles, resonated with the youth in Gaza, where daily life involves navigating physical restrictions imposed by the surrounding conflict.

The team began training in the ruins of destroyed buildings, using the environment around them to develop their parkour skills. Parkour provided the athletes with a sense of physical and mental freedom, as well as a creative outlet during times of restriction.[4][5]

Challenges

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PK Gaza faces numerous obstacles, including:

  • Lack of Resources: Due to limited access to proper training facilities and equipment, the team often improvises by using the environment, such as rubble and damaged buildings.
  • Restricted Movement: The political situation in Gaza limits the team’s ability to travel or participate in international parkour events.
  • Safety Concerns: Training in an active conflict zone presents risks, with concerns about personal safety and the dangers of practicing in unstable environments.

Despite these difficulties, the team continues to practice and view parkour as a way to cope with and challenge their environment.[6]

International Recognition

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PK Gaza has gained some international attention through media coverage and online platforms. The team has been featured in several documentaries and news reports that highlight the unique circumstances in which they train. Notable media features include:

  • Gaza Parkour (2011), a documentary that showcases the team’s training and the difficulties they face.
  • Coverage by media outlets such as BBC, Al Jazeera, and The New York Times, which have reported on the team’s activities and their significance within Gaza.[7]

Team Members

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Key members of PK Gaza include:

  • Mohammed Al-Jakhbir – Co-founder and active participant in the team.
  • Abdallah Enshasi – Co-founder and central member involved in the team’s growth.
  • Ahmed Matar and additional members who have joined the team over the years, contributing to the group’s continued development.[8][1][7]

Media Coverage and Documentaries

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PK Gaza has been featured in various media outlets, including:

  • Gaza Parkour (2011) – A documentary film about the team's efforts to train under difficult conditions.
  • Reports by international media such as Al Jazeera, BBC, Red Bull, and Reuters, which have highlighted the challenges faced by the team and their dedication to the sport.

The team's presence on social media has also helped them connect with the broader parkour community.[9][10][8]

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References

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  1. ^ a b https://www.thelocal.se/20180409/every-day-since-i-came-to-sweden-feels-like-a-dream-from-gaza-to-gothenburg-through-parkour. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ^ impolitikal (2017-01-31). "Q&A | Ahmad Matar: Learning parkour in Gaza made me feel free". IMPOLITIKAL. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  3. ^ Post, The Jakarta. "In Gaza, parkour brings youngsters a taste of freedom - Lifestyle". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  4. ^ "Gaza parkour - creating positive ripple effects amongst the ruins". Moa Dickmark. 2014-11-25. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  5. ^ "'Open Gaza' book brings together architects, environmentalists and more on rebuilding Gaza". KUNR Public Radio. 2024-01-01. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  6. ^ "The Gaza parkour group taking back a part of their city". Huck. 2022-08-31. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  7. ^ a b "The Free Runners of Gaza". Ruben Hamelink. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  8. ^ a b www.redbull.com https://www.redbull.com/ph-en/parkour-in-gaza. Retrieved 2024-09-08. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ "Free Running Gaza". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
  10. ^ "Parkour 'provides escape' in Gaza". BBC News. Retrieved 2024-09-08.