We’re the Gaza Sunbirds—Palestine’s first and only paracycling team, born in Gaza and racing the world. After a historic return to the 2025 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup, we’re now heading toward the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships. With your support, Palestine’s flag will be raised high on the world stage.

Team Palestine’s story began under the rubble of bombardment. Gaza had already endured five major Israeli assaults since 2008 and a brutal blockade since 2007. The Gaza Sunbirds are made up of many Palestinian paracyclists, including the very best in all of the nation. Our co-founder Alaa al-Dali and longtime teammate Mohammed Abu Asfour compete internationally as Team Palestine. They’re flying our flag not just to win, but to bring awareness and support to every teammate still unable to ride, living under siege.

Gaza has one of the highest rates of conflict-related amputations in the world—and the highest rate of child amputees globally. Many of our teammates are among them. We are athletes who’ve turned our injuries into a source of strength.

When Alaa al-Dali lost his leg to an Israeli sniper while peacefully protesting in 2018, he chose resistance through resilience. He turned his dream of international competition into a shared mission, building a paracycling team of survivors. That mission became the Gaza Sunbirds: over 20 athletes using sport to reclaim our stories and inspire others through strength, movement, and solidarity. This past year, Alaa made history. He became the first Palestinian ever to compete in the UCI Road & Para-Cycling World Championships, after being evacuated from Gaza to Europe. Alaa and Asfour now train in Belgium and in the countries where they compete.

Our next goal? To compete in the 2025 UCI Para-Cycling World Championships and continue racing around the world toward qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

To get there, Team Palestine needs your help. We’re raising £20,000 to support:

- Essential training costs

- Accessible transportation to and from training sites/races

- Accommodations during competitions

- Updated cycling equipment

- Participation in the 2025 UCI World Championships

- Investing in future training opportunities for athletes in Gaza and beyond

Every pound you donate helps us pedal forward. We race for every amputee who dreams of more. For a future where Gaza is known not for its suffering, but for its strength.

Support the Sunbirds — and help us fly.

Amos Trust is our UK fundraising partner and supports us in safely transferring funds internationally.

Photo credit: Alex Whitehead / Swiss Pix