Ornella’s journey is one of bravery and resilience as she defied societal norms and personal challenges to pursue her passion for boxing. In a country where cultural expectations often constrain women’s involvement in sports, she became a beacon of hope and change. The film ‘Playing Fields,’ which chronicles her obstacles, has been nominated for Webby Awards.
Havyarimana, who shares Ornella’s story, has become an advocate for promoting boxing among young African girls and women. He travels throughout Burundi to introduce the sport to young girls and has witnessed firsthand how it can shift attitudes and culture. Havyarimana hopes that his efforts will inspire more women to participate in sports and break down barriers that prevent them from doing so.
The 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards ceremony on 21 May will reveal the winner of the Webby Award nomination for ‘Playing Fields.’ The complete series can be viewed online. To learn more about ‘Playing Fields,’ click here.
