By Aja Beyai
Meet Ebrima Jallow and Sanna F Kuyateh young men who are living proofs that dreams can persevere even in the face of adversity. Ebrima and Sanna who are an amputee, have defied the odds to become a successful athlete and a trailblazer in the Gambia’s burgeoning disability sports scene.
Ebrima journey began with a deep passion for football, a love cultivated from watching his idols, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil, grace the field. However, his dreams were shattered when he became disabled through an accident, leaving him grappling with the reality of a future without the sport he loved. But Ebrima refused to give up. He embraced a new challenge, becoming the first and only amputee player-runner in the Gambia, and the third youngest plate runner in Africa and works for a UK organisation called Legs4africa, as an assistant manager of the home maintenance team, he does counselling and physiotherapy to patients.
“It was tough giving up on my dream of becoming a footballer,” Ebrima shares, “but I knew I could still be involved in sports. I wanted to show others that disability isn’t inability.”
Ebrima’s determination didn’t stop there. He played a pivotal role in introducing Amputee Football into the Gambia, starting with just four players. Today, the sport has gained national recognition, demonstrating the growing awareness and acceptance of disability sports in the country.
There you have Sanna F Kuyateh who’s love for the game started early, fuelled by a childhood spent playing with friends. Despite facing challenges due to his disability which was due to a minor accident in 2001, he never let it define him. He actively sought out opportunities, pushing himself to prove that he belonged in the world of sports. His journey wasn’t easy, but his unwavering dedication paid off.
Today, Sanna proudly represents his country on the international stage, having competed in the African Amputees Football Tournament twice and also a final year student at the university of the Gambia studying Agriculture and Environmental. His story resonates with a message of inclusivity and the potential for athletes with disabilities.
“Sports bring people together and challenge perceptions,” Sanna emphasizes. “When people see athletes with disabilities performing at a high level, it changes their mindset about what’s possible.”
Sanna’s dedication extends beyond the field. He actively advocates for disability rights, mentoring young athletes and speaking at events to raise awareness about adaptive sports and accessibility. He encourages others to embrace their potential, reminding them that “disability doesn’t mean limitation.”
