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15-05-2024

World CUp I

Location: Oostend, Belgium
Road Race
Time Trial
3 RACERS
Nestled on the North Sea coast, Oostend offers a stunning backdrop for this premier international cycling event. Over the next few days, the world's elite cyclists will converge on this historic city, bringing with them a wave of excitement and competition.

As riders navigate the challenging course, they will be greeted by Oostend's scenic coastal views, historic landmarks, and vibrant community spirit. This race will be the teams first competition and secure them the classification needed for future competitions

the races

Road Race

C2 Individual Road Race, 05/05/2024, 7 laps, 68.95 km

22

/27

C2

Mohammed asfour
LAP

25

/27

C2

Alaa Al Dali
LAP
C4 Individual Road Race, 05/05/2024, 9 laps,  88.65 km

25

/38

c4

waheed rabah
-2 LAPS

Time Trial

C2 Individual Time Trial, 03/05/2024, 9.85 km 

25

/28

C2

Mohammed asfour
20:03 mm:ss +06:31.910

27

/28

C2

Alaa Al Dali
22:03 mm:ss +08:32.051
C4 Individual Time Trial, 03/05/2024, 19.7 km 

37

/38

c4

waheed Rabah
40:53 mm:ss +14:40.699

- This race was the teams first opportunity to compete internationally, and after more than 192 days in the genocide.
- The athletes exceeded expectations for their participation after less than 1 month of training, they not only managed to compete, but also to complete all of the races which they took part in.
- We had the privilege of competing alongside many great nations who's support was priceless. Notably we had close moments with the Irish, South African and Saudi Delegations.
- We learnt exactly what the classification process entails and how to prepare athletes for it
-"Commissionare" - bike checks before time trials, medical classifications, technical classifications, judging race start times and end times
- We made our first Kit and worked out the requirements needed
- This was our first time trial ever, we need to work on handlebars.
- Many supporters came from across Belgium and France to support the team
- The Oostend community were lovely hosts to us
- Alaa needs a leg socket
- Thankfully everything went as smoothly as could go for a first race.
- We started on time. Everyone was safe. And we had some fun along the way.
- A first loss is always tough, but they get easier with time... I hope
First Training in Belgium - The team goes for their first training in the Belgian countryside enjoying views they never had the chance to enjoy never having left Gaza before
Support from Gaza - Our team in Gaza eagerly watches the race and supports our athletes despite the hardships brought on them by the genocide
Raising the Flag - Alaa raises the Palestinian flag for the first time in an international cycling competitions 
The Races - Footage of Karim, Coach Hassan, Alaa and Mohammed on race day as the athletes take part in their road race. 
The River Route - while waiting for Italian Visas in Brussels the team regularly trained on this beautiful cycle-path, its become our favourite. 
Gaza Vs Belgium - Alaa Contrasts cycling in Belgium to cycling in Gaza just 3 weeks prior during the ongoing genocide
Student Encampments - Karim, Alaa and Coach Hassan do a tour of universities around Brussels and Antwerp to support ongoing student encampments
Concert - Karim, Alaa and Coach Hassan speak during a Soap Kills performance
Going to Italy! - Alaa announces he will be making his way to Italy following Belgium to keep competing
5 years of delivery
Since 2020 we’ve logged five consecutive years of aid runs, sports programmes, and global campaigns—through war, siege, and displacement. That track record means trusted local networks, refined logistics, and the know-how to keep delivering when larger agencies stall.
video reporting
Every aid run is filmed end-to-end, from loading the truck to the hand-offs, so supporters can see precisely where their contributions go. We edit and share these clips within days, tagging donors and partners to celebrate our shared achievements and provide transparent, verifiable proof that the work on screen matches the pledges we make.
price concious
Getting money into Gaza is hard; maximising its impact is non-negotiable. Our field team scouts prices daily. With local connections and price comparisons, we lock in fair pricing to deliver services to the widest number of people possible.  
tripple audited
We are tripple audited by our local partners in Gaza, by our international team and by our International Charity Partners. Our funds are held with AMOS Trust for specific purposes. This means the money you send in for aid gets used for aid, and the money you send in for our other activities are held on the side too. Your money will definitely make it to Gaza, every month we are able to expand on the amount of services we are providing people.
impact focused
Aid is paired with story. Each food box or water tank we deliver is photographed or filmed with the family’s consent; the 60-second stories that follow have generated 3 million+ views and a wave of repeat donations. By linking needs to human faces, we transform one-off gifts into sustained community support.
5 years of delivery
Since 2020 we’ve logged five consecutive years of aid runs, sports programmes, and global campaigns—through war, siege, and displacement. That track record means trusted local networks, refined logistics, and the know-how to keep delivering when larger agencies stall.
Disability lead
Athletes with disabilities aren’t just beneficiaries here—they’re part of our leadership. From programme design to our teams long term vision, people with disabilities help shape every decision, proving that those most affected by violence and exclusion are best placed to drive bold, inclusive solutions. 
Community Run
The Sunbirds are a grassroots collective, led by Palestinians on the ground and in the diaspora. We make decisions close to the communities we serve, cutting out costly bureaucracy and ensuring that resources move quickly from donors to frontline action.

Athletes, team staff, and local volunteers manage every delivery route and training session. Our field team lives inside the camps we serve, so aid lists come from neighbours. Distributed  with a team structure, we move faster than large INGOs, intervening to support our community through a diverse range of interventions. 

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