Using sport to rehabilitate landmine survivors
Afghan cricket team
- this team caught the attention of the media after their winning record against completely able-bodied opponents in the 2011 season. The team included landmine survivors, young men with polio and victims of war related disease, trained by the Afghan Disabled vulnerable Society.
- The team of landmine survivors beat home-team Australia, at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, and went on to compete in the 2001 World organisation Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD). In 2007, Cambodia hosted the World Cup and then again in 2009, drawing in record breaking viewers. The team are now ranked number 1 in the Asia-Pacific region and number 4 in the world.
Landmine Survivors Network (LSN) Sitting volleyball team - The LSN-sponsored Bosnia-Herzegovina sitting volleyball team won first place in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. "Sports are a natural way to break the isolation survivors often feel," says Network Director Plamenko Priganica.
Landmine rehabilitation programmes using sport
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Physical rehabilitation programme for landmine victims in Afghanistan
Last month, international footballer, Xavi Hernández, donated his €100,000 prize money from UEFA to the ICRF to help rehabilitate landmine victims . Aside from supporting the physical rehabilitation of mine victims, the ICRC also helps disabled people play an active role in society by financing education, vocational training, employment and small-business activities.
Landmine Survivors Network Sitting volleyball
, Bosnia-Herzogovina
Using sport and exercise in the trauma recovery process, landmine survivors improve their physical and psychological well-being. Murat Asoli, who lost his leg from stepping on a landmine said, "During my rehabilitation, playing sports had multiple benefits for my personal recovery. My inferiority complex disappeared and I was able to overcome the psychological barriers."
Spirit of Soccer
Spirit of Soccer is a non-profit organisation committed to using soccer to alert children and communities of the dangers of living near Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) such as landmines and has implemented projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Cambodia, and Iraq.
Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF)
The VVAF in partnership with the International Centre Sports Corps, run the Sport for Life (SFL) programme, which uses therapeutic and competitive sports to rehabilitate soldiers involved in concflict, including those in Cambodia, who lost limbs due to landmines.
Playing fields not minefields, Austcare, Australia
Giving support to kids in landmine affected areas in Cambodia and Afghanistan to have the freedom to play, this Australian based campaign was inspired by the strong sporting culture of the country. Locals join community networks and take part in sporting events to raise money for victims affected by landmines.
- Visit the Clear Path International website
- Visit the CNVLD website for more information
- Read more about the LSN network
- Visit the ICRC website
- Related article: Soccer used to educate youth about land mines
- Visit the VVAF website
- Visit the Austcare website
- Related article: Cambodias National Disabled Volleyball Team Have Their Eyes on…
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