- 2022 Highlights
Personal Statement
Hi, my name is Kiana Patel.
From a young age I could see that girls were not given the same opportunities as boys in sport. I did not let this interfere with my aspiration to play soccer. So in spite of there not being a girls’ team, I joined the boys. Initially, I faced name calling and misjudgement, my opponents saw me as fragile and an easy tackle, but this didn’t faze me, at the back of my head I knew that actions always spoke louder than words and when I stepped on the pitch, I defended this statement. By the end of each match, I had gained a new respect from both my teammates and opponents not from being ‘a girl who can play sport’ but from my determination and contribution to the team. My commitment to improving and growing in soccer also helped me inspire other girls to play despite the prejudice against us, and finally, we had a team of our own. Currently, alike many others my team also face racism and sexism, but when I begin playing these words and slurs transform into a driving force which I use to fuel my passion. Now, as a 2023 forward from Nairobi, Kenya, I still carry the intent to change perception and show just how powerful women are. I know that I can make a difference internationally too so I continue to work rigorously towards this goal.
