The Man with Nothing

Football is helping refugees cope with the misery of camp life in Dunkirk, according to University of Brighton graduate Daniel Mansaray who spent time living with one refugee in his wooden shack.

Daniel has written a blog telling how the refugee Zayran (not his real name) fled his native Iraq after being attacked by terrorists for refusing to become a suicide bomber.

Daniel, who graduated last year with a BA(Hons) in Physiotherapy, wrote: “Refugees have been through unimaginable pain and suffering and activities like football can be used as an outlet for them. Zayran, for example, had little to no interest in football and yet it was evident it had a strong impact on him. Understandably, football will always have its limitations as to how much it can influence someone. But as long as it is having some sort of influence, no matter how big or small then it is invaluable.”

Zayran said: “When I go to football my body and mind feel happy and free. All refugees are sad. Football is like peace. When refugees play football they are happy.”

A short non-fictional story about a refugee that i lived with.

Read Daniel’s account ‘The man with Nothing – Freedom’

Source: The Man with Nothing – Freedom