OM's Powerlifting Journey

Blog kindly provided by St Augustine's Centre, Halifax.

One of the best things about working at St Augustine's is the opportunity to meet people with incredible talents, skills and passions. OM is certainly one of those people.

I still remember meeting OM shortly after he arrived in Calderdale. We shook hands, and I genuinely thought he might break the bones in my hand. Only afterwards did I discover I was shaking hands with a Paralympic powerlifter, which suddenly made a lot more sense.

Recently, OM travelled to Bangor, Wales, where he competed in the Para Powerlifting Home Nations Open, returning with both a gold and silver medal. It is the latest achievement in a sporting journey that has spanned more than 30 years and taken him across the world.

OM's involvement in sport began in 1995 following the death of his father.

"I was looking for something positive to focus on. A friend told me about disabled sport. To be honest, I didn't even know it was possible. I wasn't exposed to disabled people like myself competing, but I was desperate to find something positive."

After initially trying table tennis, OM discovered powerlifting when a local gym owner in his hometown offered him access to train. What started as an opportunity quickly became a passion.

Over the years, powerlifting has taken OM to competitions across Africa and beyond, including Algeria, Congo, Dubai, Georgia, Kazakhstan and South Africa. However, success did not come easily.

"Competing in Africa was hard. I didn't have access to the equipment I needed, so I had to practise with what I had. There wasn't a support structure, and there was very little funding available, if any. Access to coaches was almost impossible."

Despite these challenges, OM continued to compete and succeed. Along the way, he also witnessed changes in attitudes towards disability and sport.

"When I think back to starting my sporting journey in the 1990s, perceptions have thankfully changed. In Africa, people were surprised that disabled people could compete in sport. Now a lot more people know about para sport, and I feel it's important for me to help break down stereotypes."

Today, OM is seeking sanctuary in Calderdale. While he has found greater accessibility and opportunities in the UK, new challenges have emerged.

"Being an asylum seeker still affects my ability to participate in sport. Having an insecure immigration status is stressful and makes it difficult to focus. I'm worried about housing and I don't have the finances to pay for transport and accommodation when competitions are held. I don't have control."

For OM, sport is much more than competition.

"Sometimes I am introduced as an asylum seeker at competitions, and I find that difficult. Sport is my place of safety. It's where I go to be who I am as a person, not a label that has been assigned to me."

Yet despite these barriers, OM continues to push forward and achieve remarkable results.

"When I compete, I am very proud of myself. I am happy. I try to show that I have the opportunity and talent to compete. I want to be an example, especially for other disabled people who may find themselves arriving in the UK seeking sanctuary, that despite the challenges and barriers, they can still compete."

Alongside his powerlifting achievements, OM has embraced opportunities within Calderdale. He has represented Halifax Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League and is preparing to begin wheelchair basketball, demonstrating both his commitment to sport and his determination to remain active within his community.

Looking ahead, OM's ambitions remain as strong as ever. Having recently lifted 160kg in competition, his target is to reach 170kg before the end of the year and ultimately 210kg by the time of the 2028 Paralympic Games in Atlanta.

"I would love to stay in the UK and represent the country that has taken me in. I want people to take an interest in disabled sport, and I'd like to see more sponsors involved to help remove barriers and give athletes opportunities to compete."

It's amazing what can come from a simple handshake, and I feel incredibly lucky to work with centre members like OM. Meeting people like him is both humbling and inspiring. It's important not to lose sight of the person behind stories like this. While his sporting achievements are remarkable, what stands out most is OM's determination, resilience and refusal to allow difficult circumstances to stand in the way of what he loves.

If you would like to support OM on his powerlifting journey, please contact Adrian Bell at adrian.Bell@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk.