Amputees in Liberia find hope in football

[backtoblue]

Amputee football began in Liberia as a means of therapy and healing. It was an initiative of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation, which is responsible for assisting former fighters.

The team's coach, 30 year old Paul Tolbert, began recruiting members when he worked for the commission as a counseling coordinator.

"When you ask them how they felt after they were amputated, most of them wanted to kill themselves," says Tolbert.

"Life no longer had meaning for them. Amputee football restores their hope. Take the example of the guy who won Most Valuable Player in the recent African Cup of Nations. He was a very good player before he was amputated, but gave up hope when he lost his leg.


read more athttp://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/05/15/icrc.liberia.amputee.football/index.html

[Captain Hilts]

1. Now THAT's what sports is all about. nt

[Forkboy]

2. Eh, they're all juiced.

Shit, sorry, been in this forum too long. ;)

That's really an awesome story. Thank you for posting it.

[nickgutierrez]

3. Yeah - that artificial leg clearly gives him an advantage.

Imagine how hard you could kick the ball if you had a metal foot.

[redqueen]

4. That is so cool.

Thanks for posting this. :)