Dreams come true for Iraqis at Summitt camp

Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt has not been the only attraction at her youth basketball camp this week.

Also enjoying plenty of attention is a team of 10 girls ages 14-16 and three coaches from Iraq.

The squad is here as part of a program coordinated by the U.S. State Department's SportsUnited and other groups.

Although many of the girls - who represent a diversity of Iraqi geographic regions and religious beliefs - are still fine-tuning their skills as they learn the game, they have apparently already won over a few hearts.

Among those impressed with their aggressive style of play has been Summitt.

"As a matter of fact they were running over people," she joked during a media gathering at UT to introduce the team Thursday afternoon.

"They have been full of energy and I can feel their excitement."

According to UT doctoral student Sarah Hillyer, a co-founder of the Sport 4 Peace women's sports development organization, the idea to bring them to UT came when the group was conducting a basketball camp in connection with Global Sports Partners in Iraq last year.

They had taken some basketballs from the Lady Vols, and Summitt had videotaped an inspirational message for them.

During a session, the camp leaders asked the Iraqi players to write down their dreams on index cards.

"Every kid said my dream is to visit the USA, attend a WNBA game and to meet Coach Summitt and to thank her," said Hillyer.

State Department representative Beth Fine said the department's SportsUnited international sports programming initiative was glad to help bring them to the United States.

The Iraqi team spent several days in Washington, D.C., and attended a WNBA game before arriving in Knoxville on Tuesday.

During the gathering in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building, the team met and thanked Summitt individually and sang "Happy Birthday" to Lady Vols assistant Holly Warlick, who had been instrumental in encouraging Summitt to get them to the camp.

They then had a scrimmage game against a middle school team.

Iraqi coach Rizgar, who was allowed to give only his first name for security and safety reasons, said the experience has been meaningful.

"When the girls go back, they will share all their dreams (that came true)," he said.

Team members Shnian and Khoshee say they have been educated watching the other campers and how they play as a team, how they talk on the court, how they pass and how they move.

Off the court, the two have also learned plenty, especially regarding American food.

"Everything is different but good," Khoshee said with a laugh.

John Shearer is a freelance contributor.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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