Ornella’s journey is a testament to 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’ chronicles the obstacles that the 29-year-old has encountered, including rejection from her family, and her overall journey.
Havyarimana shared, “Now I travel throughout Burundi to introduce boxing to young girls. I have witnessed firsthand how a love for sports can shift attitudes and culture. It is my aspiration to promote boxing among young African girls and women.” This announcement comes shortly after ‘Playing Fields’, featuring Ornella’s story, was nominated for Webby Awards. The 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards ceremony on 21 May will reveal the winner. The complete series can be viewed online. To learn more about ‘Playing Fields,’ click here.
