What force is there in passion and confidence in one’s own abilities? The story of Turpal Saparov confirms the truth that thanks to perseverance and hard work the goal becomes realistic and possible to achieve.

Turpal is a 17-year-old refugee from Chechnya. He came to Poland with his father in September 2008 and since then they have both been doing everything to let the boy fulfil himself and achieve success. Turpal has been practising Taekwondo for eight years and has quite a sizeable collection of medals to his name, won before he came to Poland. For just six months of his stay in Poland he has not idled his time away: in great style he has won the Bytom championship. Now he is getting ready for this year’s national championships. Taekwondo is absolutely everything for him, his greatest passion, love and lifestyle. The Asian roots of the discipline and the ethical principles which are inherent in it are of great relevance for Turpal. “Perseverance, self-control, composure”: these features are the most important for Turpal. The Taekwondo oath contains words: “I will always defend freedom and justice. I will build peace.”

Through sport, Turpal and his dad are trying to change their lives for the better. They draw strength from it to tackle everyday life. Thanks to his sports achievements, Turpal will be able to live normally and start his dream studies at the faculty of economics. Both he and his father claim that Poland is one of the best places to practice Taekwondo because it has a very good base, a large number of specialists and provides the possibility of learning from absolute masters in that discipline.

Turpal currently lives in a refugee centre and has applied for a refugee status. Despite difficult memories from his childhood – his mother died during the war – he persistently pursues his goal. He practices every day in a gym specially created for him in the centre. Thanks to his charisma and hard work he met with great kindness and huge support from Poles. The entire equipment on which he is currently training has been purchased by Mr Stanislaw Olesik, an employee of the refugee centre in Bytom. “I am certain that Turpal will soon be the champion of Poland”. Unfortunately, without a sponsor’s help it will be difficult for him to continue along his chosen path.

Aleksandra Puchala

29.06.2009/Gazeta Uchodzcow