Nothing but net: the Syrian girl learning to play basketball and make friends 鈥� all funded from the seized proceeds of crime
5 July 2018
Syrian-born Sidra shows off her basketball skills and shares her dreams for the future
A Scottish Government project funded by the confiscated proceeds of crime.
Sidra arrived in Edinburgh in 2016, having fled with her family from their home in war-torn Syria. She spoke no English and knew no one.
Thanks to a basketball club set up with money from the Scottish Government’s scheme, however, that’s all changed.
The teamwork and communication required in basketball helped Sidra develop her English and make friends. She now dreams of becoming “a doctor ...and a basketball player at the same time”.
-
![]()
How do immigrants and refugees to Britain learn English from scratch?
鈥淚t was like I was deaf, because I couldn鈥檛 'hear鈥� what people were saying.鈥�
What is Cashback for Communities?
The scheme takes money seized from criminals under Proceeds of Crime legislation and invests them in youth and community projects around Scotland.
Since 2008, it has committed £92 million to such projects.
The inspirational football coach
Another beneficiary of the Cashback for Communities scheme is football coach Joe Mearns.
Joe was born with no arms and has , but that didn’t prevent him from becoming a successful community football coach.
Not wanting to be defined by his disability, Joe feels that it’s his drive and determination that sets him apart from others.
“If you ever really want a dream job – even if you’ve got a disability or had a hard upbringing – go for it!
“Never give up, always give 100% and you’ll get what you want.”
Latest features from 大象传媒 Scotland
-
![]()
'Wild swimming helps me process the grief of losing my son'
The benefits of cold water therapy.
-
![]()
Winter adventures are appealing, but an expert advises caution
Trips in winter require particular knowledge and skills.
-
![]()
The rescuers: Why volunteers risk their lives in mountain emergencies
Landward meets members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
-
![]()
鈥楲ook for the light鈥� 鈥� practical tips to help you through another winter with SAD
Useful advice and tips to combat low moods at this time of year.
-
![]()
How you could be a binge drinker without even knowing
Binge drinking is classed as fewer units than many people may realise.
-
![]()
How chocolate biscuits and drama classes helped one man leave prison behind
The healing power of creativity.
-
![]()
'When people believe in you, it鈥檚 life-changing'
Author Graeme Armstrong revisits the man who helped turn his life around.
-
![]()
The 'breath-taking' display of US birds swept on to British soil
Recent storms have brought rare birds to our shores.
-
![]()
Six things we learned about Alan Cumming on Take the Floor (Spoiler: includes accordions)
The actor spoke to Take the Floor's Gary Innes.
-
![]()
How street gangs trap young men in a dangerous cycle of violence
The almost inescapable pull of life in a gang.
-
![]()
Why stylist Gok Wan believes there's no such thing as bad fashion
The fashion expert says we should stop following rules and do what feels right.
-
![]()
Is sending a CV still the right way to apply for a job?
They've been central to job applications for years, but are they worth it?
