Never stopped loving the beautiful game
A love of football inspires polio survivors, most of whom are homeless, to compete in a joyful, fast-paced sport called skate soccer.
Gariba became a victim of Polio at the age of nine years. There was a local polio campaign going and all children of his age and thereabout were immunised. Following the immunisation, Gariba later found he was unable to get up or walk. His parents observed him for a few days, but later took him to see the doctor. After extensive examinations it was established that he was never going to walk again. While all the other children who received the same injection were all okay and went about their normal lives happily, he was left devastated.
Even as a kid he accepted his fate and learnt to live his life. Although his life had taken a sad turn, he never stopped loving the beautiful game of soccer. He loved watching and following the European leagues, especially his favourite team Barcelona. He loved and still loves their style of play and he has learnt so much.
He had to learn how to sit on the locally made skate boards to aid in his movement and get around on a daily basis. In no time he learnt how to play Skate Soccer, and after being appointed captain of the Ghanaian team he has not looked back.
Gariba Sani has over the years become a household name and known in most parts of the world as videos of him have been watched by millions of viewers globally due to the mileage by CNN inside Africa as well as many international TV and internet services.
"I am excited to be a part of this story. I have been playing Skate Soccer for more than 5 years just for fun. I am happy that something good has come out of my efforts."
Today Gariba feels accepted and loved, as through Skate Soccer he has regained his lost self esteem and people respect and admire him so much. He always looks forward to the next game, next match or training session, and his wish is to eventually get a setup his own business to provide a decent accommodation for him and his family.
