Sports for Development: Empowering People with Disabilities through Inclusive Participation -Joe Kuseka
Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD), formed in January 2005, is a non-profit, community-based organisation in Zimbabwe that has participated in the Homeless World Cup tournament eight times. They use football, education, and performance arts as mediums to reach children and young people with messages of HIV/AIDS awareness, substance abuse prevention, self-confidence, and other child and youth protection related issues.
In recent years, sports for development programs have emerged as powerful platforms for creating an inclusive environment that enables people with disabilities to actively participate in sports. While there have been notable achievements and success stories of disabled athletes in Zimbabwe, it is important to acknowledge that the representation of people with disabilities in sport is still limited. There is a lack of visibility and recognition of disabled athletes, and their participation in mainstream sporting events and competitions remains relatively low.
Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD), as a sports for development organization has been playing a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in sports. The organization’s programs provide opportunities and support, which empower individuals with disabilities to feel comfortable participating in sports, regardless of their circumstances. Kudakwashe Mapira, Blessing Makirimira and Douglas Masiyazi who represented Zimbabwe in different editions of the Homeless World Cup tournament serve as inspiring case studies, showcasing the transformative power of sports for development.
The main barrier to the participation of people with disabilities in sport is the lack of accessible infrastructure and facilities that cater to the specific needs of disabled athletes. This includes accessible changing rooms, ramps, and specialized equipment that enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully. Sports for development programs therefore do not focus on the professional development of the athelete but focus on the social aspects and recognize the inherent potential and abilities of people with disabilities. These programs aim to break down barriers and challenge societal perceptions by creating inclusive spaces that foster equal opportunities for all.
Through the Homeless World Cup, YASD has been advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities to participate in the global street soccer tournament. The Homeless World Cup provides a platform for individuals who have experienced homelessness, including those with disabilities, to showcase their skills, build confidence, and transform their lives through the power of sport.
Kudakwashe Mapira's a physically disabled footballer with Congenital Limb Disorder who exemplifies the transformative impact of sports for development.
Kudakwashe participated in and captained the Zimbabwe 2019 Homeless World Cup team in Cardiff. Mapira through his participation in YASD's programs is now a global sports ambassador for people with disabilities. Kudakwashe's involvement in sports allowed him to develop a sense of purpose, build self-confidence, and break free from societal limitations and is now inspiring many people with his determination and resilience. Kudakwashe Mapira is now a fitness trainer in Harare and has been working with various sports teams as well as individuals as a personal trainer. He continues to work with YASD as a mentor coach to other young people in the program. He is currently a global ambassador for ParaFootball and he has given various talks on their social platforms. Read more in the ParaFootball article ‘I have never seen myself as disabled’ and on Kudawashe’s Facebook page - Terminator Mentality.
Blessing Makirimira, is a deaf football player born in a family of nine. The chance to showcase his soccer talent at the Homeless World Cup was more than just competing, it was also about fighting the stigmatisation and exclusion suffered by disabled people. Blessing had big dreams but because he was born deaf he faced social exclusion and stigmatisation resulting in his aspirations and dreams being shattered before there were even realised. Blessing wanted to play for Liverpool FC.
Blessing was selected for the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow because he was a street vendor. Life as a street vendor is hard, the communication barrier due to his disabilty made it harder. Blessing learnt a lot on the streets. After participanting in the HWC Blessing went on to become a model and deaf TV presenter.
Douglas Masiyazi is another young person with a disability who is passionate about football. Douglas, who has albinism, faced numerous obstacles in his journey as a footballer player as his skin condition does not allow him to be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. This resulted in many coaches not wanting to give him a chance to play football with others. However, through YASD's inclusive programs, he was able to develop his footballing skills and gain confidence in his abilities. Douglas's participation in the 2018 Homeless World Cup in Mexico City not only allowed him to showcase his talent but also shattered societal stereotypes about people with albinism. His success on the international stage serves as a testament to the importance of inclusive sports programs in empowering individuals with disabilities.
After the Homeless World Cup, Douglas undertook an apprenticeship with a local mining company but due to poor eyesight, caused by his condition, they could not employ him. However, after this he received support to start his on entreprenurial activity and designed and made bespoke shoes. Read more about Douglas’ experience at the HWC in the Zimbabwe newspaper The Standard: Masiyazi finds solace in football.
Sports for development programs recognize the need to empower people with disabilities by creating a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes participation. These initiatives provide adaptive equipment, specialized coaching, and tailored training programs to address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. By focusing on their abilities rather than their disabilities, sports for development programs help individuals overcome physical and societal barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Unlike professional sporting programs, sports for development programs promote social inclusion and challenge stigmatization. Through sports, individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to interact with their peers, build friendships, and develop a support network. The camaraderie and teamwork fostered in these programs create a sense of community and acceptance, enabling individuals to feel comfortable and valued in their sporting pursuits.
In conclusion, sports for development programs have proven to be powerful catalysts for creating an inclusive environment that empowers people with disabilities to participate in sports. YASD's efforts, exemplified through the Homeless World Cup, have played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream sports. Through case studies like Kudakwashe Mapira, Blessing Makirimira and Douglas Masiyazi, we witness the transformative impact of sports for development on their lives. By embracing an inclusive approach, providing tailored support, and fostering social inclusion, sports for development programs empower individuals with disabilities to overcome challenges, realize their potential, and actively participate in sports, regardless of their circumstances.