Title : I Wanna Be Messi

______________________________

Entry Description

Football is not a privilege, it´s a right. According to the Convention on the Rights-of-the-Child, is a universal language for millions of people around the world regardless of their nationality, language or religion. In Togo there´s a center for children with disabilities that provides specialized attention to improve their quality life. In Africa, children with disabilities have high risk of abuse and neglect. People believe that disabilities are due to a divine punishment. Theses minors (known as “snakes” as they lie on the ground) are considered “demons” and are drowned into the river in rituals “for the serpent to leave”. Meanwhile, for these children at Don Orione Center everything it’s all about football. They all are Messi. Football brings peace for their souls and freedom for their minds… It´s more than a game. Every kid is dreaming of becoming the new star of the ‘beautiful game’ in search of their next goal…