{"id":229547,"date":"2026-07-30T17:59:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T17:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/229547\/"},"modified":"2026-07-30T17:59:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T17:59:19","slug":"syrias-first-disability-football-tournament-takes-the-field-in-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/229547\/","title":{"rendered":"Syria\u2019s first disability football tournament takes the field, in photos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>DEMASCUS (AP) \u2014 Players warmed up and prayed under a full moon in Damascus before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities. The Damascus Governorate Club defeated the Omayya Club to win the title.<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0000\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"The full moon rises above a player during the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434355_543_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The full moon rises above a player during the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>The full moon rises above a player during the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0005\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A player stretches beside a crutch before the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434356_753_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A player stretches beside a crutch before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>A player stretches beside a crutch before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0006\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Players, coaches and officials pray before the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434356_804_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Players, coaches and officials pray before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>Players, coaches and officials pray before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0007\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Players from Omayya Club stretch before the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434357_623_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Players from Omayya Club stretch before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>Players from Omayya Club stretch before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0008\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Female players watch the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities from the sidelines at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434357_504_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Female players watch the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities from the sidelines at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>Female players watch the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities from the sidelines at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0009\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Players from Omayya Club prepare before the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434357_226_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Players from Omayya Club prepare before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>Players from Omayya Club prepare before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a000a\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"The prosthetic leg and crutches of a player are seen during the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434357_78_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The prosthetic leg and crutches of a player are seen during the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>The prosthetic leg and crutches of a player are seen during the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a000b\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A player balances on his crutches while warming up before the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434358_179_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A player balances on his crutches while warming up before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>A player balances on his crutches while warming up before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-4b0000\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A goalkeeper makes a save as a player takes a shot during warmups before the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434358_939_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A goalkeeper makes a save as a player takes a shot during warmups before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>A goalkeeper makes a save as a player takes a shot during warmups before the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0001\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Players from Damascus Governorate Club celebrate with the trophy after defeating Omayya Club in the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434358_434_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Players from Damascus Governorate Club celebrate with the trophy after defeating Omayya Club in the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>Players from Damascus Governorate Club celebrate with the trophy after defeating Omayya Club in the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0002\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"A player wearing a winner's medal rests on his crutches after the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434358_674_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A player wearing a winner\u2019s medal rests on his crutches after the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>A player wearing a winner\u2019s medal rests on his crutches after the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0003\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Players from Damascus Governorate Club receive the championship trophy after defeating Omayya Club in the final of Syria's first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)\"  fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785434359_594_.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Players from Damascus Governorate Club receive the championship trophy after defeating Omayya Club in the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>Players from Damascus Governorate Club receive the championship trophy after defeating Omayya Club in the final of Syria\u2019s first football tournament for people with disabilities at Al-Muhafaza Stadium in Damascus, Syria, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (AP Photo\/Ghaith Alsayed)<\/p>\n<p>                Add AP News on Google <\/p>\n<p>        Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.<\/p>\n<p>            Share<\/p>\n<p>                            Read More<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"DEMASCUS (AP) \u2014 Players warmed up and prayed under a full moon in Damascus before the final of&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":229548,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[30],"tags":[197,65155,198,201,549,95,7458,82],"class_list":["post-229547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-syria","tag-general-news","tag-parasports","tag-photo-galleries","tag-photography","tag-sports","tag-syria","tag-trending-photo","tag-world-news"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@iran\/117010233080395455","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=229547"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229547\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/229548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=229547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=229547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=229547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}