|
The following is written by Lynda Weir, who works with Rwandan Presidental Scholars in Little Rock Arkansas and visited Rwanda this past summer and met Serieux Kanamugire and one of the street kids teams he has established: As I watch the FIFA World Cup match on TV from my home in Little Rock, AR, I can't help but reflect upon another recent match I was privileged to watch in Kigali, Rwanda. It had many of the same elements as the World Cup, two teams playing full speed--with refs, coaches, and fans. Yet it was very different. Allow me to explain.
In my hometown, I work with a group of remarkable young men and ladies from Rwanda who are selected by their government to attend four years of university in the USA. They are given scholarships in science-related fields and are known as the Rwandan Presidential Scholars. One of the things they love the most and miss the most while in the USA is "football" or soccer. As their "Mom", I helped form a team for these guys, and then
convinced my husband and brother to coach. I asked friends to donate so that they could join a local adult league to play in. Thus, Team Rwanda was born. Having had a rough start at the beginning of our league play (most guys never played an organized soccer match), I am proud to say that in May they won their division!
In June many of these players returned to their homeland for a one-time visit and my daughter and I joined them in Rwanda. Since we had met Brian and learned of his awesome Play4Hope ministry, we made arrangements to meet Serieux while in Kigali. Another generous friend sent some new soccer balls with me to share with Serieux. While meeting Serieux, two Presidential Scholars came with me. By the end of our great visit, they'd come up with the idea to play a friendly match, Team Rwanda against the Play4Hope team.
This game compared to the World Cup-
Unlike the glorious new stadiums in South Africa, our "field" was a dusty dirt bowl with 2 metal bars with no nets for the goals and with goats grazing on the sideline(they are in charge of keeping the grass cut).
Our Team Rwanda didn't have uniforms, shin guards or cleats...not exactly the snazzy gear that the World Cup Teams wear!
Our fans were comprised of a few family members and the local kids who were highly interested in the match between 2 "real" teams with a "real" ball. Admission was free!
Our opposition was a team full of wonderful young men who are trying to overcome a lifetime of struggles and homelessness that we can't begin to imagine... not the European League superstars who are worried about their 5 million dollar contracts! Our players played out of sheer love of the game -- imagine that!
Our game was a hard-fought match that ended in a 2-2 draw. Afterward we gathered together, took pictures, and prayed. Team Rwanda Presidential Scholars encouraged the Play4Hope team of street kids and vice versa...not quite what the World Cup opponents typically do after a game!
Our desire and prayer for our 2 teams and their players is that one day they may change their country and its future. The business of effecting change in Rwanda is the real goal...soccer is only a game after all!
With hope,
Lynda Weir 
The two teams  Warming up for the big match! 
Action shot 
The Fans
|
"
Blog 
