Fighting adversity and faced with extreme poverty in the
Kampala urban slum of Nakawa, was no deterrent for Rugby Africa Unstoppable
(www.RugbyAfrique.com) and international player Samiyah Ayikoru who used rugby
to provide a better life and stand as a shining beam for young women in Uganda.
Twenty-two-year-old Samiyah is a confident, young woman, who
despite what life had offered her, used it as a springboard to become a
certified World Rugby level one coach for both rugby and touch rugby.
The three-time Uganda Sports Press Association Female Rugby
Player of the years 2015, 2017 and 2019, is a force to be reckoned with.
Reflecting on her start in rugby Samiyah recalled tossing
the oval ball, at the age of seven, mostly with boys, at the Kyadondo rugby
grounds, where she found a safe place.
“I started my life on the frontline facing a life of poverty
in which education, clothing and shelter were a luxury. On most days we would
go hungry and as the child head of my household I had to fend for myself and
siblings to earn a living. There was a lot of hard work and sacrifices made to
survive slum life. Rugby became a safe space for me, and I began to dream of
better and see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Learning about keeping fit and healthy, while making
friends, Samiyah remembers looking forward to the buttered bread and bananas
they would receive which would ensure that she did not go to bed on an empty
stomach.
Becoming hooked on the game, by the age of 16 she made her
first national team appearance for the Lady Cranes 15’s and later for the
Uganda 7s. Now as a Rugby Africa Unstoppable the petite player is making a way
for other young women, who come from a similar background, to reach for their
dreams.
“I appeal to all young girls and women especially in
marginalized communities like the urban slum to use a sport like rugby to find
a safe space and voice to deal with everyday challenges. The core values of
integrity, discipline, respect, solidarity, and passion will guide you to make
better life-long decisions.
Secondly, rugby opens many doors as there are many
opportunities. As a player, coach, team manager, referee, or administrator, you
can build confidence and self-esteem, while living a healthy and responsible
life. It also allows you to make friends and new connections while travelling
the world and becoming a role model to young girls.”
She added that rugby was a powerful tool to transform lives
and as one of the 12 African females who represent as a Rugby Africa
Unstoppable, she herself has gone through various life changing activities and
gained invaluable experience.
“My hard work, commitment, determination and resilience has
paid off over the years. I have become more confident and can address issues
affecting young women including breast cancer awareness, gender-based violence
and inspire young women with my story. Rugby is a sport for all sizes, and it
has taught me to survive in all situations and to never give up in life.”
Besides being a multi award-winner, Samiyah has engaged in
self-development courses in coaching, first aid and referee officiating to
improve her knowledge, skills, and attitude as she prepares for life on and off
the field.
“Despite my size l am recognized as a role model among my
peers and young girls. Being a Rugby Africa ambassador for Uganda has been a
great honour and privilege. I have been able to reach out to more girls and
women in slum areas as well as rural areas, and teach them about rugby and its
benefits to an individual and the community they live in.”
Rugby Women’s Advisory Committee President, Paula Lanco,
said it was the likes of young women like Samiyah that spoke to the success of
women in rugby.
“Samiyah is a beautiful story of how sports and in
particular rugby elevated the life of a young woman in Africa. It has opened
doors for her that she never imagined, and she has shown immense growth and
capability to take a lead in women’s rugby.”
Women’s Rugby Manager at Rugby Africa Maha Zaoui said that
Samiyah was the essence of what a Rugby Africa Unstoppable stood for.
“Samiyah has proven repeatedly that she has unstoppable
qualities and is a trailblazer in Uganda women’s rugby. She comes with a
compelling story that raises the profile and promotes diversity in the game.”
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