Jordanian track team visits High Country

By Cara Kelly

Eleven female track and field athletes visited the mountains of North Carolina for the first time last week, and for the majority, it also served as their first impression of the United States.

A team of female track-and-field athletes from Jordan visited the High Country last week as part of a training opportunity sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Photo by Mark Mitchell

The Jordanian Ministry of Education track and field team was selected by the U.S. State Department to travel to America for a specialized training opportunity, coupled with a hands-on cultural lesson.

During the week of Oct. 12-17, team members lived and trained at ZAP Fitness, and experienced some of the highlights of the High Country.

The Jordanian athletes were quick to notice the irresistible aspects of the area, citing nature and bluegrass music as their favorite memories at the conclusion of the five days.

In addition to learning individualized training techniques, the students went to Grandfather Mountain to view the natural splendor during the peak of leaf season.

Three local bluegrass musicians played a personal concert for the team, who excitedly listened to the music that is an integral part of Appalachian heritage.

Jordanians are equally as devoted to their types of music symbolizing their heritage.

“We have traditional music that shows how much we love Jordan,” Mayar Khalifeh said. “The lyrics are all from the heart.”

In addition to a shared passion for local music, the students said Jordanians are equally as interested in sports. Most organized sports, however, are run through the government, with few private sports teams and training facilities.

As a national team, the young track and field athletes have competed in large meets with other Arabic countries and in world championships.

Khalifer said that although citizens of Jordan enjoy watching sports, she does not typically see as many individuals running or exercising on their own.

“There is more individual interest here,” she said.

One of the most noticeable cultural differences for the students, however, is the daily schedule. Lunch is typically the central meal for Jordanians, with a small dinner usually eaten later in the night. Although they were familiar with American fast food, the young women were surprised at the lack of lamb in many Americans’ diets.

The young women, who ranged from 15 to 17 years of age, gave descriptions of their lives in Jordan.

“I like to write poetry and read novels, lots of novels,” Alaa Khalifeh said. “I like to paint and listen to different types of music.”

All of the young women expressed interest in attending a University in Jordan after graduation from their high school equivalent. The students are hoping to earn scholarship money from the government for their athletic performances, a reward that is often achieved by dedicated Jordanian athletes.

“The government really takes care of us,” Mayar Khalifeh said.

After their stay in Boone, the team traveled to Charlotte, then Washington D.C. before returning to Jordan.

In addition to seeing the landmarks of the nation’s capital, the young women were excited about another element of a big city that appeals to females of all age.

“We are excited about going shopping in D.C.,” Khalifeh said.

The students expressed nothing but joyous appreciation for their international field trip experience.

“We want to thank the State Department for this experience and the Ministry of Education in Jordan for choosing us to come visit, and everyone else who has helped us,” Khalifeh said.