The seed for a big idea took root when Don Bennett, who lost a leg in a boating accident in 1972, kicked a basketball back to his son. He and some friends began kicking around a soccer ball on their crutches, and the idea for amputee soccer was born.
Bennett founded the Amputee Soccer League in Seattle in 1980. Played on crutches and without prostheses, the sport immediately took off. Currently there are hundreds of teams that play in 26 countries. Celebrating 30 years, the Amputee World Cup games will be held in Argentina on October 16; Bennett serves as an ambassador for the sport.
As quoted in KXLY.com, Bennett said, “A lot of people [with amputations] think they’re despondent, but finally when they start playing soccer, they build up their confidence, their self esteem, they start feeling good about themselves, and many of these players are becoming super stars in their own country.” He added, “They’re looking at all their limitations, so I want to get back to those people and show them that they can get back on the field, feeling good about themselves…. Anyone with confidence and self esteem, they can do anything they want.”
