The grand opening of the Tarmiya Education and Youth Center was held Tuesday morning in Tarmiya, north of Baghdad, to the elation of hundreds of local children who now have a place to play sports, read and paint.

The renovated complex is equipped with two full-size international basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, two soccer fields, an art studio, a library, a theater for plays and a place to practice martial arts for those who want to be like Chuck Norris.

“This project was made possible by the people of Tarmiya and the Americans,” said Sheik Said, the leader of the Tarmiya city council. “This center will not only help the community, but it will be very beneficial to the children as well.”

A team leader with 414th Civil Affairs Battalion feels the same way.

“This (the youth center) will help keep the children off the streets. It’s long overdue,” Capt. John Bennett said. His unit is attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.


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