Bhubesi Pride Stories: Justin Robar in Zambia

Bhubesi Pride Foundation (BPF) shares a series of stories from individuals involved with their work in rugby for development in various countries around Africa. This article focuses on Justin, a two time volunteer with the charity currently coaching and researching for his master's thesis that was inspired by BPF.

Canadian Justin Robar volunteered with Bhubesi Pride Foundation in 2015 and returned in 2019 with his experiences widening the impact he’s making through sport for development.

Justin lives and works in Ontario, Canada. He is a graduate student in the faculty of applied health sciences at Brock University and is also a teaching assistant. Justin grew up playing high school and provincial level rugby, then moving on to university level and senior level rugby. He also played hockey and American football in High School. He has since taken up rock climbing, ultra-trail running and hiking! He adores sport and fully embraces the notion that sport changes lives.

Having volunteered with BPF in 2015 aged 19, Justin returned to the Pride in 2019 to coach in the community and carry out research for a sport for development thesis.

“My first trip with Bhubesi Pride Foundation changed my life. It sparked my career and academic path. I conducted an independent study on my experience which lead to my masters programme in sport management where I am now doing research on community engagement in sport for development.

“Working in Zambia was very rewarding. Seeing how the game is progressing in these areas was truly amazing. Other coaches taught me so much about rugby and life, and the children and individuals we worked with had the same effect. I took a lot of these lessons with me when working with children back in Canada.”

Check out the other pride stories from BPF:

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