At 53 years old, Marei isn't just a swimmer and a triathlete, he's also a swim instructor, training Syrians and Egyptians in Cairo. He embraced sports at a time of hardship, and in doing so reminded us of the boundless potential within us all. UNHCR/Pedro Costa Gomes
Marei, a married man and father of two teenage girls, used to be a lifeguard in a government-owned swimming pool in Syria. After the war broke out, he and his family sought refuge in Egypt where they have been residing since 2012.
Adapting to life in a new country came with many challenges, and the water became Marei’s sanctuary. A real-life Aqua man, he chased pools everywhere, pursuing any opportunity to swim. One day, a social media invitation finally led him to a swimming competition in Hurghada, a coastal city by the Red Sea. Against all odds, he won first place, setting ablaze a passion for more competitive opportunities.
“The thrill of my first tournament ignited a passion within me to seek out more competitive opportunities,” he said.
While in Hurghada, Marei met an Egyptian swimming coach who would later become his mentor. The Egyptian Shooting Club coach asked Marei to join his swimming team and to represent the club in tournaments. This opened the door for Marei to compete in national competitions for his age group.
As a refugee swimmer, Marei faced the frustrating reality of not being able to represent Syria or Egypt on the international stage. However, he persevered, participating in local tournaments and proving his mettle in the pool.
Marei’s passion grew and with that his commitment to share his knowledge with as many people as possible. He developed a swimming programme for Syrian refugee children, teaching them how to swim and instilling a sense of joy and accomplishment in their lives. Egypt is host to 155,896 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers, of whom 36% are children. Many of those children aspire to engage in sports but have limited opportunities.
“I hope that everyone, young and old, despite the circumstances, considers sports as a lifestyle. Sports have a profound impact on the mental and physical health of athletes, let alone refugees… not only does it help us cope with adversity, but it also helps us make new friends and mingle with the Egyptian community,” Marei said.
Seeking a cost-effective means of transportation, a bicycle became Marei’s go-to mode of travel. Cycling to work not only saved costs but also kindled his passion for triathlons. His hard work paid off when he clinched the top spot in his age group competition.
With a voice bursting with hope and inspiration, Marei shares: “My dream is to be able to reach the records of my twenties and prove that age is just a number. I also have another dream which is crossing the English Channel, and Inshallah, I am physically ready for it.”
There are many worldwide competitions on the horizon that could be of significance to Marei, if only he would be given the chance to participate. He continues to strive for the freedom to travel and fulfill his dreams, demonstrating that sports can indeed change lives and open doors to a brighter future.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
