Amputee football players in Rwanda find healing and a sense of community

In Kigali, Rwanda, amputee football has become a beacon of hope and community for many, offering physical rehabilitation and a sense of belonging. This seven-a-side sport, where players use crutches and goalkeepers have one arm, has grown over the past decade, helping to heal wounds from the 1994 genocide and other traumas. Nyiraneza Solange, who lost her leg at age 5, found freedom and confidence on the field, overcoming the stigma of being an amputee. The sport fosters unity in a society once divided, with Rwanda aiming to participate in the next women’s amputee football World Cup. The game is played in over 50 countries, and Rwanda now boasts several professional teams. The sport’s psychological and mental benefits are significant, promoting wholeness and wellness among players. QUESTION: How might participating in a sport like amputee football change the way people perceive disabilities in your community?