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March 11, 2022
Last December, we were thrilled to announce the five recipients of our 2021 Courageous Use of Sport Award, presented by WWE. Each of the five exceptional young leaders is using sport to lead their communities to a brighter future while overcoming personal hardships. This year, they each had the chance to speak with WWE superstars about their journeys and aspirations, which we have been featuring across our social channels. Today, we’re sharing all of the inspiring interviews here for you to view! #SameTeam
Souleyman Bah from London, UK spoke with WWE superstar, Bianca Belair, about his path, mindset and mission to ensure accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in sport and in the business world. “I’ve always wanted to inspire other people. I’ve always wanted to show people there is a positive way to live your life, to achieve your goals and to be successful.”
Souleyman came to the UK as a refugee from Guinea when he was five years old. Despite gradually losing his sight due to a rare eye condition, he took up athletics as a child and now as an adult he is driven to inspire others through his sporting achievements. He is passionate about advocating for disability inclusion, speaking at schools and businesses and mentoring other young athletes.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to Beyond Sport and WWE for making me one of the 2021 Courageous Use of Sport Award winners. This award is to recognize those individuals that may have gone through struggle, a difficult background but remain fighting and inspire us all through sport,” he reacted.
Bianca shared that speaking to Souleyman and learning more about his journey was very inspiring, “with all the gems he dropped in this conversation, I told him he needs to write a book and I’ll be the first to buy!”
Sohaila Shojayie, who recently celebrated her 17th birthday, spoke to WWE superstar, Sonya Deville, on how she uses Muay Thai and yoga to support fellow female refugees in Greece (with plans to do so in Germany where she now lives) and advance gender equality within the refugee community.
“One day I decided to show that boys and girls are at the same level, and they have the same rights. So why can’t a girl do sports or why can’t they join martial arts? It empowers me to empower other women and show them that we’re equal.”
Sohaila was born in a refugee camp in Pakistan to an Afghan family and later moved to the Malakasa camp in Athens. After discovering martial arts and yoga, she soon started teaching others, creating supportive safe spaces and challenging the perception that girls and women shouldn’t partake in sports by championing her female participants through the sport. She is now continuing her mission in Germany.
“It was such a pleasure for me to speak with WWE superstar Sonya Deville and to show the world the true meaning of girl power. I will continue to speak for those girls who can’t speak up for their rights and girls that are not allowed to have a free life the way they want.”
Mohamed Magassa from the Bronx, New York spoke with WWE superstar and Global Ambassador, Titus O’Neil, about how his HOOD organization uses basketball to build up youth in his community and recognize everyday leaders through its “Neighborhood Hero” initiative.
“We want people to realize, no matter how many resources you have, no matter how old you are, no matter how much connections you have, you can definitely still make a difference no matter where you are.”
After navigating some traumatic experiences as a child and living among negative influences, Mohamed decided to devote his time to focusing on giving back and education for himself and other youth in his community. As the Co-Founder and President of the non-profit, Humanity Optimism Opportunity & Diversity Inc. (HOOD), Mohamed uses basketball to strengthen community bonds with his team. Together they champion essential workers and guide and inspire youth in the area to aim high.
“The boys and I are grateful to be recognized by Beyond Sport and WWE as we expand the impact and influence of the Neighborhood Hero Initiative. It gave us a sense of confirmation that our idea is valued and people like us can definitely bring a lot of change, not just to our community, but to many other communities out there in the world.”
Zoya Siddiqui from Mumbai, India, spoke to WWE superstar, Aliyah, about breaking sterotypes in a country where girls traditionally face disapproval for playing sports. “The community that I work in is very conservative, that a girl is supposed to be at home, they’re not supposed to play football and I want to change this mentality.”
With the support of her parents, Zoya attended sessions at the OSCAR Foundation which is dedicated to empowering youth in low-income areas through education and soccer. She now coaches and mentors other girls and champions them to break gender biases.
“I am elated to have won the Courageous Use of Sport Award 2021. The last two years have been tough for young people and we have had our different struggles to navigate through these uncertain times. I have realized how powerful sport can be as a driving force for change. It is a privilege to be recognized by Beyond Sport and WWE and I hope this will inspire more young girls at OSCAR to follow their dreams.”
Gerald Mballe from Italy sat down with WWE superstars, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo, to share about life as a refugee and finding a safe space within Special Olympics Italy and its Unified with Refugees program. He spoke about his mission to help change the lives of thousands of other refugees and migrant youth like him through sports.
“Even if you come from very challenging situation, you’re able to make your way through it using sport. An activity that everyone loves, brings you into a world where you’re included and can include other people.”
Gerald left Cameroon at age 17, undertaking a grueling and dangerous journey that eventually ended in Italy. After discovering Special Olympics and engaging with its athletes and coaches, he was able to rebuild his self-esteem. He now focuses on tolerance and inclusion as an advocate for the Unified Refugees Program, and is helping change the lives of thousands of refugees and migrant youth through sport.
“Words cannot express how I feel right now. I’m very thrilled and excited to have been selected and nominated for this award, but most of all, I’m very honored that our work is creating a huge impact on the world. We’re happy that the world can see the great advocates of inclusion in Special Olympics. With migrant youth and people with disabilities, we bring together those from marginalized communities and through sport create an inclusive environment.”
A huge congratulations to the winners of the 2021 Courageous Use of Sport Award! WWE is proud to provide funding to each of the winners and join Beyond Sport in amplifying their work.
Videos produced by thinkBeyond Studios.
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