The Power of Sport: there is no discrimination on the court
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Kai
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Paddy Bedi 31 August 2012
Enthusiastic sportsmen, Kai Solomon, is taking sport beyond the gates of his school in Uganda by sharing his experiences of how the tennis court has helped him overcome the challenges he faces as a young person with a disability.
He shares these powerful stories with people in neighboring communities as a result of his involvement in the London 2012 legacy programme, International Inspiration, which is running activities at his school, through International Inspiration Clubs. As a sporting icon, Kai was chosen to become a Club Ambassador, through which he has developed the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate learners from all backgrounds into recreational activities and team sports.
His efforts to change the perceptions of people with disabilities are motivated by his own life-changing experiences. At the age of six he was hit by a car after leaving the tennis court to collect a stray ball and was left homebound for four years. Now through International Inspiration, he has returned to the court because sport has helped him regained his confidence.
“International Inspiration Club gives me courage to show what I’ve got and it has also helped me build on my confidence,” he says.
Through his school and community work, Kai wants to share one very important message: “I encourage the disabled to join International Inspiration because there’s no discrimination. We are united and you will get courage to do the activities you love,” he says with a smile.
He shares these powerful stories with people in neighboring communities as a result of his involvement in the London 2012 legacy programme, International Inspiration, which is running activities at his school, through International Inspiration Clubs. As a sporting icon, Kai was chosen to become a Club Ambassador, through which he has developed the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate learners from all backgrounds into recreational activities and team sports.
His efforts to change the perceptions of people with disabilities are motivated by his own life-changing experiences. At the age of six he was hit by a car after leaving the tennis court to collect a stray ball and was left homebound for four years. Now through International Inspiration, he has returned to the court because sport has helped him regained his confidence.
“International Inspiration Club gives me courage to show what I’ve got and it has also helped me build on my confidence,” he says.
Through his school and community work, Kai wants to share one very important message: “I encourage the disabled to join International Inspiration because there’s no discrimination. We are united and you will get courage to do the activities you love,” he says with a smile.
Kai loves to play football, although admits he often breaks his crutches in the process, but despite these challenges, he wants to see other young people with disabilities see the potential they have to become sportsmen and women.
Although he does not see himself becoming a Paralympian, he wants to continue to help young people with disabilities get involved and grow through sport. “I want to open up a playground and put a basketball court for the disabled.”
Mr. Phillip Katabulawo, Kai’s tutor and the International Inspiration Club Patron, shares the impact sport has had on his life:
“Kai is a great lover of sports. He is a marvel to watch when juggling the ball; the ease with which he dribbles through his opponents keeps you wanting to watch more. The smile on his face reminds you of the great John Akii-Bua, Uganda’s first Olympic gold medalist to date.”
The International Inspiration programme has been designed and implemented by UK Sport, in partnership with the British Council and UNICEF, and has enriched the lives of 12 million children in 20 countries worldwide.
Find out more about International Inspiration: http://www.uksport.gov.uk/pages/international-inspiration/
Find out more about International Inspiration: http://www.uksport.gov.uk/pages/international-inspiration/
