Inclusive Running Club Impact: Samuel’s Story

Samuel is a 12-year-old boy who, for much of his life, was isolated and withdrawn because of community views about his disability. Not only did his community view disabilities as a curse, but he often felt self-conscious about using a wheelchair. That is why, when Samuel heard about an inclusive Running Club that sought to bring together children with and without disabilities in his community, he initially found the idea to be an intimidating one.

A New Kind of Message

Inclusive running clubs, developed by the Micah 6:8 Foundation and piloted and implemented by Kupenda for the Children, were created to sensitize communities about disabilities and bring children together from multiple schools to interact with one another, collaborate on activities, and learn lessons about the value of all people.

At the first meeting, Samuel struggled to interact with others and was unconvinced that he had made the right choice. In fact, it took several sessions before he felt comfortable enough to participate with the group.

What changed things for Samuel, however, was the content of the lessons. When he heard the biblical message that God had created him in his own image, he was stunned that God had purposefully made him and had done so with his own unique talents! This knowledge profoundly impacted his perspective about life. He began to feel like he had a right to be in the club and a reason for his voice to be heard.

A Reason for Hope

By the time the club reached its seventh lesson, the group talked specifically about the importance of dreaming big. At one point, the coach asked Samuel to share about his dream for his future. For the first time, Samuel felt like he was allowed to hope and dream along with the others. Samuel replied,

“I want to be a doctor so that I can help others!”

Samuel’s love for the club has not only translated to a love for himself but a desire to care for the people around him. Today Samuel eagerly continues to participate in the club, make new friends, and share his gifts with others.

Would you consider supporting other children like Samuel to receive loving inclusion? Not only does it have the potential to change a child’s view about him or herself, but it transforms attitudes surrounding disability, knitting families and communities together in a powerful testimony of God’s love.

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