Rwandas Amputee Football Team Builds Unity and Resilience Through Sport

Rwanda’s Amputee Football Team Finds Unity and Belonging Through Sport

In Rwanda, a growing number of individuals with lower-limb amputations are participating in a seven-a-side version of football, where players use crutches to move around the field. The sport has become an integral part of their lives, providing not only physical rehabilitation but also a sense of community and belonging.

The team’s growth can be attributed to its ability to bring together individuals who have overcome significant challenges, including trauma and stigma associated with being an amputee. Many players, such as Nyiraneza Solange, were born after the 1994 genocide, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people. Solange lost her leg at the age of five due to a severe infection.

The sport has been instrumental in helping players like Solange overcome their fears and find a new sense of freedom. According to Louise Kwizera, vice president of the Rwanda Amputee Football Federation, the team’s unity is built on trust and camaraderie. “In communities affected by conflict or trauma, the playing field becomes a place of peace,” she said.

The sport has also provided an opportunity for players to learn to trust again and build relationships with others who have experienced similar challenges. With over 3,000 lower-limb amputees in Rwanda, the team’s growth is significant, and its impact on the community is undeniable.

Source: Al Jazeera