SPORTS Page 8 n THE ASIAN REPORTER October 4, 2021 Afghan girls soccer team in Portugal gets surprise visit LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Girls from the Afghanistan national soccer team who were recently granted asylum in Portugal have had a surprise visit from the captain of the senior team. Farkhunda Muhtaj, a professional player who from her home in Canada spent weeks helping arrange their recent rescue from Afghanistan, flew into the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, for an emotional reunion with the girls’ team last week. As the sun set over the River Tagus, the girls, between 14 and 16 years old, and their families gathered on the riverbank and hugged and kissed Muhtaj amid smiles and tears. “They have dedicated so much, they have been so resilient, and to finally see them in person has been so emotional because I knew how much they went through,” Muhtaj said. After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the girls and their families tried to leave their country. They feared how their lives might change under the Taliban — not only because women and girls are not allowed to play sports, but because they were advocates for girls and active members of their communities. What made the rescue mission harder was the size of the group — 80 people, including the 26 youth team members as well as adults and other children, including OPERATION SOCCER BALLS. Members of the Afghanistan na- tional girls soccer team and their families visit a park by the Tagus river in Lisbon, on September 29, 2021. The girls and their families arrived in Portugal September 19 after an international coalition came to their res- cue. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida) infants. “You are a fantastic nation for impacting the lives of so many girls and for supporting us in so many ways and providing these girls with asylum,” Muhtaj said, thanking Portugal for taking them in. The rescue mission, called Operation Soccer Balls, was coordinated with the Taliban through an international coalition of former U.S. military and intelligence officials, U.S. senator Chris Coons, U.S. allies, and humanitarian groups, according to Nic McKinley, a CIA and Air Force veteran who founded Dallas-based DeliverFund, a nonprofit that’s secured housing for 50 Afghan families. On Thursday last week, the girls practiced with Muhtaj at a soccer pitch in Odivelas, outside Lisbon. Black Pearl Acupuncture Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are great for: - Acute/Chronic Pain (i.e. neck, back, sciatica & shoulder) - Treating & Preventing the flu and colds - Stress Relief - Headaches/Migraines www.blackpearlacupuncture.com Sita Symonette Licensed Acupuncturist seasymonettea@gmail.com Call to schedule an appointment: (503) 308-9363 505 N.W. Ninth Ave., Portland, OR 97209 For most of us, putting a few dollars on a wager adds some excitement and innocent fun to the games we enjoy. Playing online games or getting together over a few hands of cards often makes for some time well spent. Unfortunately for some, what starts out as a way to pass time with family and friends becomes a habit that’s difficult to break, especially during times like these. Many of us are returning to the activities and places we love, while at the same time feeling cautious about ongoing public health concerns. During these times of uncertainty, it can be especially challenging to keep from using gambling as a coping method. Here in Oregon, help is available. Through the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR), gamblers — and those who love them — can get support from trained addiction counselors, often right from home. Treatment is effective. Caring, trained professionals, are ready and waiting to provide the tools to cope and to heal. And, best of all, it’s free. Most people who get started with OPGR report that they only wish they had done so sooner. The program helps see you through some of the challenges ahead and gives you the confidence and the support structure to feel better. All it takes is a phone call, a text or an online chat to put you on the path toward the calm and fulfillment you deserve. For more information, visit OPGR.org Wondering when our next issue is published? Sign up for e-alerts at !