The Democratic Republic of Congo's women's wheelchair basketball team, known as the Leopards, has qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil after winning the U25 Africa Cup of Nations in Kinshasa. The team defeated Kenya 60-24 in the final. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the team and the country. The Leopards' qualification has sparked a movement for national support and recognition.
Organizations of people with disabilities (OPH) in the DR Congo have addressed a memorandum to President Felix Tshisekedi, urging him to provide national support to the team. The OPHs believe that the team's qualification is not only a sporting achievement but also an opportunity to promote the participation of people with disabilities in national life. They are calling for the government to provide resources and support to ensure the team's success in the World Cup.
The OPHs are seeking a comprehensive approach to support the team, including medical and paramedical care, physical and technical training, nutrition, and equipment. They also want to ensure that the team's members receive dignified treatment, including proper accommodations and transportation. Furthermore, the OPHs are advocating for the creation of a national framework to support the team, which would bring together government institutions, sports federations, and civil society organizations.
The OPHs propose establishing a national support framework for the Leopards, which would coordinate contributions and avoid duplication of efforts. They suggest launching a national mobilization campaign, themed "Our Leopards, our pride, our commitment," to engage institutions, businesses, artists, and citizens in supporting the team. The OPHs also propose allowing citizens to make voluntary contributions to support the team's efforts.
The OPHs emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in managing resources and funding for the team. They want to ensure that the team's qualification serves as a starting point for a more structured policy in favor of Paralympic sports and the inclusion of people with disabilities in the DR Congo. The team's success is seen as an opportunity to promote social inclusion and challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.
The Leopards' qualification for the 2027 World Cup has generated excitement and pride in the DR Congo. The team's achievement is seen as a testament to the courage, hard work, and determination of its members, as well as their coaches and sports leaders. The OPHs' campaign for national support has sparked a national conversation about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports and beyond.
The DR Congo's government has not yet responded to the OPHs' memorandum. However, the issue is expected to generate significant attention and debate in the coming weeks and months. The Leopards' participation in the 2027 World Cup will be closely watched, both in the DR Congo and internationally, as a symbol of the country's commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
Key points
- The DR Congo's women's wheelchair basketball team has qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
- Organizations of people with disabilities are urging President Felix Tshisekedi to provide national support to the team.
- The team seeks comprehensive support, including medical care, training, and equipment, as well as dignified treatment and national recognition.
