Macena is a Haitian touring the United States to show off his soccer skills — with one leg. Macena and his amputee teammates, many of whom lost legs in the January 2010 earthquake that devastated their country, will be in the area Monday through Wednesday to host soccer clinics for soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and at RFK Stadium. The “Team Zaryen” tour is co-sponsored by Project Medishare and the Knights of Columbus. How long have you been playing soccer?
I played soccer when I had two legs, and then when I lost one leg, I continued to play. I lost my leg in a welding accident.
How do you play soccer without two legs?
I use crutches to play. We’re allowed to hit the ball with our crutches. Amputee soccer has international rules, and all the players have one leg.
What do you want to tell people on this tour?
This trip that we’re going on right now is very important to us, to our hearts, to take to the military and men and women who have helped us in Haiti. We want to show the American people that we are grateful, but that we still suffer and need their help.
Do you have advice for people who have lost a limb?
My advice for everybody who lost a leg like me is just to let them know they can do everything. They can go to school, they can walk, the can get an education, they can live in a family, they can be associated with friends like I am. Loss of a limb does not mean life is not open to you. I think life is very big in front of me. Because of the team, I find help and support.
— Liz Essley
