The Gaza Sunbirds, Palestine’s Paralympic cycling team visited King’s on Sunday, November 16. Combining a love of sport with a passion for social justice, the team compete on the cycling world stage while supporting people with disabilities toward rehabilitation. Cofounders Alaa Al Dali and Karim Ali spoke to the school, alongside cyclist Mohammed Asfour and videographer Flavia Cappellini. They gave a rousing presentation about the Gaza Sunbirds’ origins in Alaa’s dream to become a professional cyclist which radically shifted when he was shot during the Great March of Return in 2018 and his leg had to be amputated. From his determination to cycle, build community, and support among other disabled Gazans, the Gaza Sunbirds were born. Today, they are an internationally competitive cycling team, training hub for para-cyclists, and community that fosters hope and mutual aid in Gaza. King’s is honored to have hosted these elite athletes and inspirational activists. To learn more about the Gaza Sunbirds, see their website.