Can Erözden
29 February 2016•Update: 19 April 2016
KOCAELI, Turkey
Wrestler Muhammed Leysevi, who fled his native Syria with his family two years ago, is scouting for new talent among fellow Syrian refugees in Turkey’s northwest.
Leysevi, who works at a school for refugees in Darica, Kocaeli province, told Anadolu Agency that he expected to find future wrestlers among the school’s 612 students.
“I know Turkey is a challenging country in wrestling,”he said. “They bring in many good athletes. I believe there will be good athletes among my Syrian students and that’s what I’m working for.”
Recalling leaving his home in Aleppo with his family, Leysevi said: “The bombs are falling permanently. My children and I were depressed. There was no job. We were living in fear for our lives. We came to Turkey after my home in Aleppo was bombed and destroyed.”
Leysevi, who previously competed in Syria in the 62-kilogram freestyle category, winning around 20 medals in national and international tournaments, thanked the Turkish prime minister and president for providing help to Syria refugee children.
“There is a school open here and our children can continue their education,” he said. “We were offered a good life. I thank them. We would have been killed if Turkey had not opened its gates for us.”
Syria’s five-year civil war has left at least 250,000 dead and more than 11 million displaced from their homes, according to the UN.
Turkey hosts around 2.7 million Syrian refugees, having spent around $9 billion on refugees, Turkish officials have said. The country aims to increase schooling for Syrian children with the help of a 3 billion euro ($3.27 billion) aid package.
“We train the children by making them have fun,” Leysevi said. “They are getting over a big trauma. Thank God, everyone is feeling better in Turkey. Sports make the children feel comfortable.”
