{"id":1372,"date":"2023-04-10T10:22:06","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T15:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=1372"},"modified":"2026-04-21T15:55:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:55:38","slug":"2023-blue-kc-sporting-samaritan-honorees-mohamed-abdalla-and-baradin-ahmed-month-of-april","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/community-and-culture\/sports-partnerships-community-and-culture\/2023-blue-kc-sporting-samaritan-honorees-mohamed-abdalla-and-baradin-ahmed-month-of-april\/","title":{"rendered":"2023 Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Honorees Mohamed Abdalla and Baradin Ahmed \u2013 month of April"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Blue KC and the Sporting KC <\/a><\/strong>have announced Rockhurst High School student-athletes Mohamed Abdalla and Baradin Ahmed as the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan honorees for April. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journeys of Mohamed Abdalla and Baradin Ahmed to the United States have a taken several twists and turns, but the pair of underclassmen at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri have a unique and inspiring story of perseverance and optimism that shines brightly in our local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With both families originating from Sudan, they both made the necessary decision to flee during the war with their families as tensions began to rise and it became unsafe to live in the country. They each relocated in Kenya where they lived in a refugee camp. It was there, in the East African country, that the boys first met one another at school. Their friendship instantly took off and they\u2019ve shared similar life experiences ever since. Their love for soccer began at the young age of five years old and continued to grow during their time in Kenya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t have money for a real soccer ball in Kenya,\u201d said Ahmed. \u201cIn order to play, we would put together plastic bags and socks to make a big, bouncy circle-shaped ball, and then burn the sides to keep the shape.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As political refugees, they came to the United States with their families in 2017, not knowing the English language. They continued their education at Kansas City International Academy and quickly made a lasting impression on those in their new, local community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWhen I think of two stand-out students, the two names of Mohamed and Baradin will forever come to mind for me,\u201d said one of the boy\u2019s instructional coaches. \u201cThis is my 10th year in education and never have I met students with so much internal drive, focus and determination to make this world a better place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe desire to succeed by Mohamed and Baradin is unmatched,\u201d said one Kansas City International Academy teacher. \u201cThey are willing to do whatever it takes to reach their goals and never shy away from a challenge. Not only that, but they are two of the most respectful young men I have ever known. They have left a lasting impact on me as their teacher and in our school community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After graduation, the boys continued their education and soccer careers at Rockhurst High School. Their desire to learn and enhance their education continues to be on display, with both Mohamed and Baradin now being able to speak, understand and write several languages, including English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud to say that my biggest accomplishment to date is receiving a quality education at Rockhurst, while also playing soccer at the highest level,\u201d said Abdalla. \u201cI love attending Rockhurst because of the opportunity it provides me, including the ability to meet new people from diverse backgrounds. I\u2019m always reminded to remember my roots and how far I\u2019ve come, especially when I don\u2019t feel like putting in the work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy family knew we would receive numerous opportunities by coming to the United States,\u201d said Ahmed. \u201cEveryone is nice and open-minded with one another. One piece of advice that I received was to never let anyone tell you what you can and cannot accomplish. I\u2019m excited and blessed to have the opportunity to become a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I first met Mohamed during virtual learning, he asked me what an \u2018F\u2019 stood for on your report card (not that he has ever had one),\u201d said one of Mohamed\u2019s former teachers. \u201cI replied that it means you are failing the class. He said no it means \u201cFuture room to grow\u201d. From then on, I looked at \u2018F\u2019s, and a lot of other things, differently because of the optimism this young man had.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the soccer pitch, both boys are continuing to climb up the ranks at Rockhurst. Abdalla competes at the junior varsity level, while Ahmed is a member of the sophomore team. Their impact, and the many lives they\u2019ve touched along the way through generosity, kindness and optimistic views, continues to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Lauren Weeks (center) – Teacher and nominator of Mohamed and Baradin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMohamed and Baradin\u2019s friendship began early on through their passion for soccer,\u201d said Mohamed and Baradin\u2019s nominator and former teacher, Lauren Weeks. \u201cThe boys grew up in similar circumstances and overcame many challenges early on in their lives. Once stateside, they expressed their respect for teachers and peers by displaying acts of kindness on a routine basis to those around them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe inspiring stories of Mohamed and Baradin shine a positive light on the next generation of leaders within our community,\u201d said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. \u201cTheir life experiences to date have shown that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a strong support system of friends and family. It\u2019s our privilege to recognize them both as Blue KC Sporting Samaritans for the month of April, and we know they\u2019ll continue to excel in the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue KC Sporting Samaritans will continue to be recognized monthly at Children\u2019s Mercy Park during Sporting home games this season. Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n

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