Real hope for Syria (Special Olympics blog)
http://www.specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/real-hope-for-syria/
Ghassan noticed Azhar in 2010 at their first team gathering for swim practice in preparation for the 7th Special Olympics Middle East North Africa (MENA) Regional Games held in Damascus, Syria. Despite his great skill in swimming, he was not able to give all he had that day. He knew he could do better, but the thought of Azhars sky blue eyes distracted him.
Day after day, Ghassans feelings towards Azhar grew stronger. She felt the same way. Ghassan once missed two days of practice, when he showed up the third day, Azhars joy was obvious. That is when Ghassan realized that their feelings for each other were mutual.
They fell in love thru the on-going activities provided by Special Olympics Syria for their athletes. Their days consisted of swimming practice in the morning, then Syrian singing and dancing in the evening. One day, they realized they couldnt live without each other.
Their families had been aware of the relationship, thinking it was only a temporary crush that would be over soon. However, with Ghassan and Azhar, their teammates and friends knew that it was real love.