CHILD PROTECTION
7
Adam Mezhiev Adam Mezhiev was born on April 25, 1985, and his childhood was a happy and carefree one until the moment in early 1995 when an explosion from an unidentified device deprived him of his leg. Adam was merely walking by when the incident happened. Doctors could not do anything for the boy, and amputation was the only way to save his life. Adam faced difficult years of recuperation and adjusting to his new reality, but he didn’t fall into despair or complain because he was raised a young man of much faith. After some time, that positive outlook on life brought an opportunity literally to his door, and which changed his life forever. In 2002, representatives from the Laman Az non-commercial organization offered Adam the chance to sign up for computer courses and English lessons at the Grozny Computer and Informatics Technical School which were made possible with support from UNICEF. Those lessons gave the boy much needed opportunity to develop and learn. Soon after, a football team composed entirely of amputees was founded, and the young men began to train with much energy and effort. Adam joined them, and his hard work quickly paid off, eventually becoming team captain. The team participated in various tournaments, and even made it to the Russian National Championships. Adam’s success was so great that he was even asked to join the Russian National Team, and he led them to a Silver medal at the World Championships, and twotime European champions. © UNICEF / 2007 / M. Sadulaev
In 2007, Adam ran in the 8-kilometer international race in New York City for people with physical disabilities that was sponsored by the city’s mayor. He finished third among hundreds of competitors, proving that the power of will and faith can overcome any disability and limitation.