Besha Asefa is a 12th grade student at the BCI Academy. It’s easy to spot him on the school campus, since he walks with crutches. His disability is the result of contracting polio at the age of one. This is a sad story, but even worse is the fact that his parents rejected and abandoned him due to his disability, leaving his care to his grandmother.
Due to his permanent need for crutches, it’s important for Besha to keep up his strength. Last year, while working out at a local gym, Besha was approached and invited to participate in a weight lifting competition. It was exciting for him to receive this invitation and he began training right away. At his first competition, he was encouraged when he earned a second place finish out of nine competitors. He achieved this by lifting 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs). For his second place finish, Besha earned a medal and a certificate. He also participated in a wheelchair race and placed 4th out of 15 competitors in both the 400 meter and 800 meter distances.
At a subsequent competition, Besha tried to lift 80kg but failed in his attempt and was disqualified. He is passionate about these sports and they have given him a sense of belonging and confidence. He wants to continue competing, but the other competitors are better trained and nourished. Besha is slim and has limited protein in his diet.
People with disabilities are not afforded equal rights in Ethiopia. There is no disabilities act to protect them. We have seen the positive impact of sports on Besha’s life and feel that fostering this passion is critically important to his future. We would like to provide Besha with the means to continue training at his best level. He is in need of funding for his training, transport, extra nutrition (eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables) and a sports uniform.
As we prepared to share Besha’s story, things took a turn when an estranged family member beat him with no provocation. Besha sustained multiple injuries, including a broken hand. Worst of all, it was a hit to his spirit to be physically assaulted. The injuries also caused him to miss school and training. We feel now more than ever that we want to help Besha overcome the multitude of tragedies he has experienced in his young life.
Upon graduation, Besha dreams of attending University to study architecture. He also wants to continue with his sports training. He hopes to one day have the opportunity to use sports to travel outside of Ethiopia, and perhaps even participate on a big stage at the Paralympic Games.
When speaking with Besha, he told us passionately that “BCI has helped me to receive my only Savior, Jesus Christ, and I’m thankful for it. God has been helping me through BCI with my education and my life with Jesus.”
The most recent x-ray showed that Besha’s hand has healed and praise God he is not expected to have permanent difficulties. If you want to partner with us in supporting Besha’s competitive sports, please reach out to us and let us know you’re on Team Besha. We believe that God’s hand is in Besha’s participation in sports and want to see him follow his passion, both for himself and as an example to encourage others.
Phone: 1 (888) 269-2719
E-mail: info@blessingthechildren.org
Blessing the Children International 