Disability does not equate to inability – the journey and passion of ‘Coach Sympathy’

By Samuel SAM

The phrase “disability does not equate to inability” emphasises the idea that having a disability does not define a person’s capabilities or potential. This perspective is crucial to fostering inclusivity and understanding in society.

Individuals with disabilities often possess unique skills and talents that may not be immediately visible. Many excel in fields such as art, technology, sports and advocacy; and such is the story of James Eduful, a person with disability who has striven to contribute to national development.

People with disabilities frequently develop innovative solutions to navigate challenges, showcasing resilience and creativity. The belief that disabilities limit capabilities is rooted in stereotypes. Challenging these misconceptions helps promote a more accurate understanding of what individuals can achieve.

Many public figures with disabilities – such as Stephen Hawking, Helen Keller and Marlee Matlin – have made significant contributions to society, demonstrating that disability does not hinder success; and such is what Coach Sympathy is doing at Kasoa and its enclave.

Who is Coach Sympathy?

James Eduful, known as ‘Coach Sympathy’, is a remarkable figure in Ghanaian football, coaching from a wheelchair after a childhood accident left him disabled.

His journey began at age seven when a fall resulted in a severe leg injury, leading to his current condition. Despite this setback, Eduful pursued his passion for football – transitioning from player to coach at just 12 years old.

Over the years, he has established youth teams and gained recognition for his coaching abilities, demonstrating resilience and determination. His story gained wider attention through Asempa FM’s SportsNite show, which highlighted his challenges and successes.

Eduful’s dedication to coaching has inspired many; and he is now working toward obtaining higher coaching qualifications, thanks to support from the Ghana Football Association and media.

Coach Sympathy’s narrative emphasises that disability does not equate to inability, showcasing the potential for individuals with disabilities to excel in their chosen fields and contribute significantly to society.

Background of James

James Eduful, popularly known as Coach Sympathy, was born in November 1989 in a small town called Koduakrom in the Tarkwa-Damang in the Western Region.

At age seven, just like many Ghanaian boys his age, James had a dream of becoming a football star. But one evening in 1996, that dream turned into a nightmare as his life changed forever.

The origin of his disability

“I was returning from the farm with my mother and it was raining heavily. I was six or seven years old, so I couldn’t walk through the heavy rain and my mother carried me on her back,” he said.

On our way home, she slipped and I fell off her back; and it was not until we got home that we realised I had fractured my legs. My parents tried to fix it with traditional medicine because they didn’t have money to take me to hospital  and as you can see, that didn’t work out and now I’m crippled,” James disclosed.

Coach Sympathy’s unforeseen predicament, however, did not stop him from attaining the higher heights he had always dreamt of. “I always wanted to play football, but I couldn’t.

I started playing for a while with both hands, but my family cautioned that I could lose my arms too if I got injured on the field. So, I became a coach instead,” he said.

The journey of coaching

The adage that ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ has been the motivation for Coach Sympathy, who had a passion to train more youths to contribute in national sports and the nation’s development.

In view of that, whether supported or not, he decided to exhibit his talent by offering voluntary services to some local teams, which helped him to gain some recognition. His coaching journey started at the age of 12 at Koduakrom of the Tarkwa-Darman in the Wassa West District of Western Region.

At that time, his aunt and uncle didn’t support the idea. According to them, they had not seen a disabled person like him coaching before.

Educational background

Mr. Eduful completed senior high school in 2007, but financial constraints denied him access to furthering his education; therefore, he took the drastic decision to leave home and establish a youth team.

The intention was to practise his talent, which could have been diminished. In 2007, Coach Sympathy set up a colt’s team at Tafo in Kumasi, training players from U-10 up to U-17.

To demonstrate for his players just what he demanded of them, James left the ‘comfort’ of his wheelchair, strapped slippers on his hands as makeshift football boots and joined the action.

Supported by one feeble leg and two hands – almost like a four-legged human – he moved fluidly into spaces, knocking passes around as he received them. For the last decade, this has been the story of James Eduful, the coach dishing out tactics from a wheelchair in Ghana football.

Challenges

Coach Sympathy explains he’s had several offers from other clubs owing to his success with a Kasoa-based club whose fortunes he turned around.

However, he was denied the opportunity to work with those teams because he had only one certificate, which is a juvenile course he did. He wanted to study for other courses and enhance his certification, but he had no money.

The need to support PWDs

Reducing social stigma around disability in sports requires a multi-faceted approach that emphasises inclusion, education and community engagement.

To ensure fairness and development of the sporting sector, government needs to collaborate with the private sector and invest more in the sector. Certain measures need to be considered.

First of all, there is a need to promote inclusivity. We must encourage sports organisations to create accessible facilities and programmes tailored for individuals with disabilities.

This includes ensuring that venues have the necessary adaptations, such as ramps and accessible restrooms, to facilitate participation.

Also, there should be more education and awareness creation. Increasing awareness about disabilities within the sports community is crucial.

Educating coaches, athletes and spectators about the capabilities and needs of individuals with disabilities can challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive environment.

Moreover, enhancing community engagement would help ensure that everyone has been considered decision-making. Facilitating interactions between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities through inclusive sports events can reshape perceptions.

Positive experiences in a sporting context can help dismantle preconceived notions about disabilities.

Furthermore, there should be some financial support for both individuals and corporate institutions that have the desire and passion to contribute in the nation’s development.

In view of this, providing financial assistance for adaptive equipment and coaching can alleviate barriers to participation. This support is essential for ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to engage in sports.

There is also a need to highlight the success stories or individuals or organisations which have contributed  tremendously to the sector’s growth.

Thus, showcasing the achievements of athletes and other sports-related personalities with disabilities can inspire others and change societal attitudes.

Celebrating their accomplishments in mainstream media can enhance visibility and promote a more positive narrative around disability in sports.

Implementing these strategies can significantly contribute to reducing stigma, fostering a more inclusive sporting environment. Government and corporate organisations need to support the activities of PWDs like Coach Sympathy who has been training  passionate young footballers.

Currently, despite the contribution of Coach Sympathy, he has been battling with accommodation and other financial issues; hence, the call for support to enable him achieve his goals.

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