Hakim Arezki

Started: He took up the sport in about 2004 or 2005 in Paris, France. (sofoot.com, 26 Mar 2019) Reason: He discovered the sport while attending the National Institute for Young Blind People in Paris, France. "That's where I did my re-education, where I learned how to read in braille. I stayed there for five years. I studied as a piano tuner and did my music studies. I also discovered the sport. There was only one training session per week. At the beginning I was disappointed because I thought I would have the same ability as before [losing his sight], but it was like I was learning everything for the second time. I had to find other references, to rely on my other senses. The sport helped me to build a new life because I recovered my passion for football. On the pitch I don't use my cane. I feel free. It also helped me to develop autonomy in my everyday life." (sofoot.com, 26 Mar 2019) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (francetvinfo.fr, 05 Nov 2023) Milestones: He was part of the squad that won France's first Paralympic medal [silver] in football 5-a-side at the 2012 Games in London. He is one of four players [along with Martin Baron, Gael Riviere, and Frederic Villeroux] named in the French squad for the 2024 Games who also took part in London 2012. (SportsDeskOnline, 01 Jul 2024) Awards: In 2013 he was named Knight of the National Order of Merit by the French government. (sofoot.com, 26 Mar 2019) He was named Best Player of the 2010 French Cup. (france-paralympique.fr, 24 Sep 2019) Additional Info: MOVE TO FRANCE Born in Algeria, he relocated to France after losing his sight as a result of a gunshot wound he sustained in Algeria in 2001. One of the bullets damaged his optical nerve, while another hit his right ankle. He tried to receive treatment at three different hospitals before his father, who already lived in France, encouraged him to move to Europe. He landed in France, still with the bullet in his head, and was rushed to hospital. "I have two homelands. Algeria brought me into the world, but France saved my life. I wouldn't know which one of them I would choose. I tried to do something in Algeria with players who wanted to create a team. The sport doesn't exist over there with the same rules that it's played everywhere else. Still there are young blind people who kick the ball. It's complicated to create something when you are not there." (lecourrierdelamayenne.fr, 28 May 2024; allodocteurs.fr, 27 Feb 2020; lemag.seinesaintdenis.fr, 31 Jan 2020; sofoot.com, 26 Mar 2019; lematindalgerie.com, 21 Mar 2019) OTHER ROLES In June 2018 he became president of the Seine-Saint-Denis Para Sport Committee in France. "The link is that the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris will be hosted here in Seine-Saint-Denis. I'm expecting improvements in terms of equipment, accessible transportation, and a change in perspective towards impairment. As athletes we really saw a big difference after [winning silver in football 5-a-side at the 2012 Paralympic Games in] London. The media gave us a big push. For the first time, our final [against Brazil] was broadcast live. I expect the same for Paris, or even more." (handisport.org, 30 Sep 2022; lemag.seinesaintdenis.fr, 31 Jan 2020) MUSIC ENTHUSIAST He became interested in music after his father gifted him a guitar during his rehabilitation. He has since composed two albums and become a qualified piano tuner. (allodocteurs.fr, 27 Feb 2020)