The first group that went to Belgium with the project had a chance to watch the amputee soccer team from Belgium and Holland play. One of the people that had a recent leg amputation was amazed. “Wow, look how strong and fast they are with one leg,” he whispered as we watched the group of men do pregame exercises and start to skillfully kick the ball down the field on crutches. The teams demonstrated a level of endurance and power that was exciting to watch. The players were even kind enough to let some of the members of our group come out with them and kick the ball around.
The “Walk with the Tico” group even had a chance to try waterskiing when they were in Belgium. Two of the men took a few laps around a lake while holding on to a pool attached to the boat. Their smiles were huge as they felt their bodies using muscles that had not been used before, and they felt the adrenaline rush of a new sport. “I can not believe I just did that,” Johnny said to me as I passed him a towel and Belgian beer.
Maintaining a positive body image is something that can be challenging for all of us, especially after significant changes in the body, like in an amputation. Speaking to others about your body image can be helpful as well as focusing on the wonderful things your body can do. You may be surprised by what your body can do, but you will never know without challenging yourself to try. Seeing this groups' fear turn to excitement and then pride, reminds me that all bodies are beautiful and powerful. Always continue to challenge and respect your beautiful body.
If you would like more information on Walk with a Tico, please email [email protected] or visit the Facebook site : WALK WITH A TICO.
They had amputations resulting from motorcycle accidents, car accidents, tumors, and even from an unfortunate encounter with a bull. Some were below the knee and others above the knee. They all had to face a change in their body image, how the body worked and how it looked. I listened to some of the people who had amputations for a number of years as they spoke to some of the people that had more recent amputations. “You are the same person, you are the same person if you get your haircut, you just look different, and you are the same person if you have a toe amputated, or a leg.” “You are whole, a perfect person, just missing a body part”. They encouraged each other and, unknowingly, encouraged me.
the project had a chance to watch the amputee soccer team from Belgium and Holland play. One of the people that had a recent leg amputation was amazed. “Wow, look how strong and fast they are with one leg,” he whispered as we watched the group of men do pregame exercises and start to skillfully kick the ball down the field on crutches. The teams demonstrated a level of endurance and power that was exciting to watch. The players were even kind enough to let some of the members of our group come out with them and kick the ball around.
The “Walk with the Tico” group even had a chance to try waterskiing when they were in Belgium. Two of the men took a few laps around a lake while holding on to a pool attached to the boat. Their smiles were huge as they felt their bodies using muscles that had not been used before, and they felt the adrenaline rush of a new sport. “I can not believe I just did that,” Johnny said to me as I passed him a towel and Belgian beer.
Maintaining a positive body image is something that can be challenging for all of us, especially after significant changes in the body, like in an amputation. Speaking to others about your body image can be helpful as well as focusing on the wonderful things your body can do. You may be surprised by what your body can do, but you will never know without challenging yourself to try. Seeing this groups' fear turn to excitement and then pride, reminds me that all bodies are beautiful and powerful. Always continue to challenge and respect your beautiful body.
If you would like more information on Walk with a Tico, please email [email protected] or visit the Facebook site WALK WITH A TICO