Free from Shackles

Omar battles obscurity despite great potential

When Omar was 16 years old he was forcibly taken from his home and spent eight months in shackles. He had done nothing wrong but he was placed in a 'chain gang'.

That is often the fate of minority tribes-people in a mostly lawless country. The potential for this highly intelligent, diligent young man seemed to come to an end.

Malaria was his savior. Omar became deathly ill and was unable to work, so his captors released him.  Somehow he managed to find his way home.

But his reunion with his parents was bittersweet. Afraid of losing their son a second time, they insisted that he flee the country. Emotionally and physically fragile, Omar left and eventually found himself in Hong Kong.

Immediately after he registered as an asylum seeker Omar applied to go to school, but although his birthday was six months away, he was told he didn't qualify because he was over 18. It was a great blow. Then a friend invited him to run in a race, and Omar discovered his passion to be a professional athlete. Omar said in his impeccable English, "I know it takes sacrifice, but I'm ready to do whatever it takes to become a world class runner."

Unable to find a trainer or physiotherapist to invest time in his new career, Omar continues to run, using the internet as his coach, treating his own injuries, and being his own physical therapist. Thankfully, a local running club pays for his running uniform and entry to races in Hong Kong.

Omar deserves dignity. He deserves to be seen, and his talents need to be encouraged and recognized. I cannot tell whether he has the potential to be a world class runner, but I pray that his determination, strength and talent will be honored.   After all that he has suffered, Omar deserves it.