An episode of Olympic Channel’s original series, Playing Fields, has been nominated for a Sports Emmy.
The six-part documentary is an inspirational series which showcases a new generation of African athletes, each with their tragedies and triumphs, struggles and strengths, hopes and dreams to excel in their sport and reveal the inner truth of what makes an Olympic hero.
Episode six, “Ornella: Knocking down social prejudices pursuing her Olympic dream”, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Long Feature category.
Directed by Academy Award winner David Darg, it features the extraordinary journey of Ornella Havyarimana, Burundi’s first and only female boxer to compete at the Games.
Facing societal norms and personal adversity, she not only pursued her passion for boxing but also became a symbol of hope and change in a country where cultural expectations often limit women’s participation in sports.
The film documents the challenges the 29-year-old has faced, including familial rejection, and her journey as a whole.
“Now I travel through Burundi introducing boxing to young girls,” Havyarimana told us.
“I have seen for myself that a love of sports can change attitudes and culture.
“It is my dream to grow boxing in the hearts of young African girls and women.”
This news comes just a week after Playing Fields, and Ornella’s episode, were nominated for Webby Awards.
The 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on 21 May, where the winner will be announced.
