It has been a year since Basel, 12, from SOS Children’s Village Qudsaya took up skating as a regular hobby. He started practicing by breaking every kind of fear, by braving obstacles. His acquired physical intelligence helped him to build upon his basic skills to try new techniques and develop steadily. Along this path, Basel was more and more eager to receive guidance from the coaches and plan ahead.
Little did Basel’s caregiver know that his dedication to skating and his pure joy would contribute to major changes in his personality, behavior, and school performance.
Over months, Basel was able to acquire self-discipline. At school, Basel was able to let go of resistant behavior. Soon enough, the advancements in skating started to come hand in hand with improved school performance.
Listening to the coaches’ guidance helped make him a better listener. He put greater trust in others, and instead of rebelling, he took every chance to receive help and guidance. “The coaches encouraged me so much. Without them, I would have still been afraid and trembling on the first slope,” said Basel while laughing. Now that Basel is verging upon adolescence, he realizes that he will always find skating as a safe haven and an opportunity to develop long lasting life skills.