The Democratic Republic of Congo's women's wheelchair basketball team, known as the Leopards, has made history by winning the first edition of the African Championship for players under 25. They are now preparing to take part in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The team has received a call to action from the Congolese Federation of People Living with Disabilities (FECOPEHA), which is seeking President Félix Tshisekedi's support for the team.
FECOPEHA has written an open letter to President Tshisekedi, requesting that the government provide sustained support for the team. The organization believes that the team's participation in the World Cup is not just a sporting event, but also an opportunity to showcase the abilities of people living with disabilities and promote their inclusion in national life. FECOPEHA is asking the government to make the team's participation a national objective, with consistent support.
FECOPEHA proposes the creation of a national support framework that brings together the public authorities, sports federations, the private sector, civil society, and the diaspora. The organization emphasizes the need for a collective effort to support the team, with a focus on providing the necessary resources for the players to compete at the highest level. This includes medical and paramedical support, physical and technical training, and suitable equipment.
The team requires a range of support, including improved travel and accommodation conditions, to enable them to prepare and compete in the World Cup. FECOPEHA also believes that support for the team should not stop after the World Cup or their sporting careers. The organization is advocating for a sustainable system to help the players transition to life after sports and integrate into society.
FECOPEHA is proposing a national campaign, themed "Our Leopards, our pride, our commitment," to mobilize support for the team. The campaign would involve public institutions, companies, artists, sportspeople, universities, media, and citizens. The organization is also calling for transparent and accountable funding, with a focus on securing long-term partnerships with the private sector.
The support for the Leopards team is seen as an opportunity to change attitudes towards people living with disabilities in the DR Congo. FECOPEHA is urging a shift from compassion to action, from assistance to empowerment, and from isolated achievements to sustainable policy. The organization hopes that the team's participation in the World Cup will help promote the development of wheelchair basketball and inclusion in the country.
The Leopards team's participation in the 2027 World Cup is an opportunity for the DR Congo to demonstrate its commitment to inclusion and the development of wheelchair basketball. With the necessary support, the team can compete at the highest level and inspire a new generation of players. The government, private sector, and civil society are being called upon to work together to support the team and promote the values of inclusion and empowerment.
Key points
- The DR Congo's women's wheelchair basketball team requires government support to participate in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
- FECOPEHA is proposing a national support framework to help the team, including medical and paramedical support, physical and technical training, and suitable equipment.
- The team's participation in the World Cup is seen as an opportunity to promote the development of wheelchair basketball and inclusion in the DR Congo.
