Simon Baker, the Secretary-General of World Amputee Football governing body (WAFF) is in Rwanda for a two-day visit to check on the progress of the sport in Rwanda. Amputee Football is a new sport in the country but it is increasingly becoming a key sport attracting more players with disabilities since the game was introduced in Rwanda in 2015, making it one, if not the newest sport in the country. The current progress of the game in the country has impressed Baker who hailed the Rwanda Amputee Football Federation’s efforts to establish the game in Rwanda. “I want to first congratulate them for what they have achieved today. With the support of NPC, they have all the structures in place. But now, to take it to the next level, we really want the Sports Ministry and Ferwafa to come on board and support us,” Baker said. According to the official, the future of Amputee Football in Rwanda is bright given the passion, discipline and professionalism they show while playing. However, as the federation continues to struggle with support, he called concerned stakeholders to lend the federation a hand in its drive to establish itself in the country. “The players have passion, they are disciplined and professional… and they want this. They want to create a future for the children, the juniors. I would like to see more development in the region and overseas and this is where Ferwafa needs to come on board,” Baker said “People with disabilities are proud to play Amputee football, they are proud to be called athletes and they are proud to represent their country or their regions....but the biggest problem is the mindset. With the Sports Ministry, Ferwafa, NPC and other partners, let’s come together around the table and discuss how we can take this to the next level. It’s not what you can do for Amputee football but it is what the sport can do for you,” he added. Amputee Football is so far played in eight districts countrywide involving 80 players and according to Audace Rugwiro, the president of Rwanda Amputee Football federation, Baker’s visit gives the game a lifeline to growing significantly in the country.
