World Cup opens up a new world for a child with disability

A six year old member of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Ability Friendly Programme feels that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has changed his life and reshaped his dreams. According to a story published on QF website, he is also equally nostalgic that the tournament is over.
Joshua Rikley, a six year old member of QF’s Ability Friendly Programme, says: “I used to visit Lusail Stadium every week. After I would finish my lessons at Education City, we would take a tour around the stadium to see all the national team flags at the entrance gates. We would also attend the screenings of the games at Oxygen Park. Everything looked amazing everywhere!”
Rikley did everything to not miss any of the World Cup games. He managed to watch them in the stadiums, in the fan zones, and on TV. Now that the tournament is over, he misses his World Cup routine, but he reserves an experience that changed his life and reshaped his dreams.
Rikley and his five-year old brother Jamie have a growing passion for football. Joshua is a member of the Al Dafna Football Club, while Jamie is a member of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy. Both brothers play football near their house, and although Joshua has spasticity in his limbs, and difficulty in moving, he shows great playing skills.
“I want to be a professional player in the future,” said Rikley , who has cerebral palsy. “The coach teaches me how to kick the ball and score. Now, what’s left is that I only have to wear Messi’s and Ronaldo’s shirts to become a champion like them."
Joshua and Jamie inherited their love for football from their father, Don Rikley, who welcomed Canadian fans in Qatar during Qatar World Cup and watched more than 11 games at the stadium.
According to Joshua, who was able to attend three games at the stadiums, there is nothing in the world like watching the games live at the stadium.
Joshua was chosen to accompany the players at the Iran vs Wales game, and he was also chosen to represent people with disabilities at the opening ceremony of the Portugal vs Morocco game.
“I’m a lucky child - I was so happy!” Joshua says.
He says he wants to pursue his medical treatment at Sidra Medicine, a member of QF. And when he reaches the age of nine, doctors will decide whether he needs to undergo surgeries. Until then, he won’t stop kicking the ball, in addition to learning to swim at the Ability Friendly Programme at QF.
After the exit of Canada – Joshua’s favourite team – he continued to cheer and support other teams. He felt sad when Cristiano Ronaldo cried, and happy when Morocco qualified. And when Argentina lifted the trophy, he was proud of Lionel Messi.
After the conclusion of the World Cup, Joshua missed everything about it. The World cup became a whole new world for him.
“I will miss the World Cup, and the fun at the stadiums, but I will keep all the tickets, flags and team shirts in a special box, so that I will always remember these beautiful moments, and will work hard to be the best player in the future,” he added.