Sports academy in Egypt gives Syrian children hope When Amir al-Awad fled Syria for Egypt, he intended to cross the Mediterranean for a European country. But instead, the boyhood Syrian wrestling champion opted against the risky sea journey and found work at a restaurant in Alexandria, where he was introduced to the city's Syrian community. Together they established the Syrian Sports Academy, and he replaced his dream of an Olympic medal with a goal to "create champions from the young refugees" from his country. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES