College Places Facilities at the Disposal of the Iraqi Paralympic Committee in Early Preparation for Hosting the 2028 West Asia Games in Basra
On the morning of Thursday, September 17, 2026, Prof. Dr. Haider Awfi Ahmed, Dean of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Basra, received a delegation from the Iraqi Paralympic Committee in his office. The meeting was attended by all members of the College Council and the delegation, led by the Committee’s President, Mr. Farsat Shali. This meeting reflects the College's commitment to fulfilling its athletic and social role in supporting major sporting events hosted by the Basra Governorate.
At the start of the meeting, the Dean welcomed the delegation, affirming that the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences would be an active partner in the early preparations for the West Asia Paralympic Games, scheduled to be held in Basra in 2028. He emphasized that the College views this event as a significant sporting milestone requiring concerted efforts, early planning, and integrated institutional collaboration.
The meeting addressed the latest preparations for the Games and discussed avenues for cooperation and coordination among the College, the Paralympic Committee, and relevant stakeholders to ensure an appropriate sporting environment for the event's success.
The delegation also toured the College’s sports facilities—including training halls, playing fields, and athletic amenities—to assess their technical and logistical capabilities and their readiness to host Paralympic training sessions, events, and competitions. During the meeting, the Dean affirmed that the college administration would place its resources, academic and technical expertise, and sports facilities at the disposal of this event within the framework of possible cooperation. He emphasized a commitment to providing all necessary support, backing, and facilities, as well as fostering serious collaboration with the Paralympic Committee and relevant authorities, to ensure the tournament is organized in a manner befitting Basra, Iraq, and the Paralympic sports community.
He noted that the college views its sports facilities not merely as university amenities, but as an integral part of the governorate's sports ecosystem—an open space dedicated to serving athletes and supporting national and international championships and events. He reiterated the administration's readiness to cooperate in any way that contributes to the tournament's success.
The delegation included the Committee’s Second Deputy, Mr. Majli Al-Jabri; Secretary-General Mr. Mahdi Baqir; Treasurer Mr. Saad Abdul-Majid; Executive Board members Mr. Majid Al-Akeili and Mr. Abbas Wannas; Executive Director Mr. Mohammed Al-Salami; the Committee’s Relations Manager in Basra, Mr. Zaki Abdul-Karim; the Ministry of Youth and Sports representative and Deputy Director General of the Regions and Governorates Department, Mr. Basim Baqir; National Paralympic Team Coach Captain Arshad Mohammed Abdullah; and Mr. Jaafar Abdul-Jalil, representing the Basra Governorate Directorate of Youth and Sports.
At the conclusion of the meeting—in a gesture reflecting deep cooperation and mutual appreciation—the College Dean, Prof. Dr. Haider Awfi Ahmed, presented the college’s commemorative plaque to the President of the Iraqi Paralympic Committee, Mr. Firsat Sali. This honor recognized his role and efforts in serving Paralympic sports and enhancing their presence within the Iraqi sports landscape. In turn, the President of the Iraqi Paralympic Committee presented the comprehensive dossier regarding the hosting of the West Asian Paralympic Games to the Dean of the College, underscoring the vital role the College plays in the preparations for this highly anticipated sporting event.
This symbolic exchange reaffirms that the partnership between the two institutions extends beyond mere protocol; it is driven by a commitment to collaborative action and early coordination, all aimed at ensuring the success of Basra’s hosting of this significant Paralympic event in 2028.
College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences – University of Basra: An active presence in the service of sports and a responsible partner in achieving success.
Media and Government Communication Division
College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Basra