Getting to know dodgeball, the new sport looking to establish itself in Burkina Faso
Aminata Paré, president of the Burkinabè dodgeball association, discusses how the sport is developing in Burkina Faso
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Sport News Africa: Tell us a little about this sport, dodgeball?
Aminata Paré: Dodgeball is an American sport of African origin in which two teams of six players face each other and try to eliminate their opponents while avoiding being hit themselves. It is most often played recreationally under variable rules, known as prisoner ball or ballon-chasseur ("chaser ball"). A dodgeball match is played over two halves of 20 minutes with a five-minute break.
What ages can play dodgeball?
Aminata Paré: It's a sport with no age limit. You can play dodgeball at 80 or 90. It allows everyone to build team spirit.
How many clubs or players do you currently have?
Aminata Paré: At the moment, we have three clubs. It's a sport that is just starting to take off. So we're trying to promote it, to motivate people to take up the sport and to set up clubs. Many people in Burkina don't know this sport. As a result, there's a little resistance for now.
What are you currently focusing on?
We are looking for strategies to train the association's members properly, especially the members of the technical team. After that, we will be able to focus on training for the clubs, because it's a sport that people need to discover. You can't create clubs and then tell people to go and get trained themselves. For now, we are still focused on training.
Is the sport recognised by the authorities for its establishment in Burkina?
At official level, we thought about approaching the relevant authorities. We have already completed the paperwork and are now waiting for a favourable response.
Do you already have a pitch for playing dodgeball in Burkina?
Yes, we have a venue, but it's only in Bobo-Dioulasso, at Belle-ville university, where we have permission to use their facility for training. At the moment, we are going through the process of securing a suitable ground for the next phase of training and for dodgeball to take off.
And in Ouagadougou, is there a venue?
No, not yet. We are also working on it and it will be soon.
Do you know of other countries in our sub-region that play dodgeball?
Côte d'Ivoire has been playing it for 4 years. I'd like to use your platform to congratulate the Ivorian Dodgeball Federation, which is supporting us.
What are your objectives?
Our long-term vision is to take part in the African Nations Dodgeball Championship (CAN), which will probably be held in October 2025 in Côte d'Ivoire.
Do you have a message for everyone who has just discovered dodgeball through this interview?
Yes, you should know that dodgeball is a sport, and all sports share the same benefits. Dodgeball fosters team spirit and physical exertion, and also promotes a culture of peace and social cohesion through the values it instils in those who play.