'Happiness is a choice and it’s free' - Boxer Cindy Ngamba on her Paris 2024 Olympic ambition - Refugees’ Voice

Cindy Ngamba left Cameroon aged 11 to find a better life in the UK, but it didn’t come without its challenges. Cindy navigated a new life without her mum whilst learning a new language and getting bullied at school. She’s also been on the brink of deportation after being taken to a detention camp.

Cindy’s sexuality means it is unsafe for her to return to Cameroon — one of 64 nation states recognised by the United Nations where it is illegal to be gay, and where many members of the LGBTQ+ community face imprisonment or violence. But despite the obstacles, through her never-give-up attitude and passion for sport, Cindy fell in love with boxing by discovering it at her local youth club. Three national titles and one Gold international medal later, she’s set to compete in this week’s European Games with Paris 2024 qualification firmly in her sights.

Ad BoxingRachael Mackenzie is urging children to get activeA DAY AGO — — - When I was born, I came out feet-first which I don’t think happens very often. I say this because ever since that day, my mum has called me stubborn and I think that’s just stuck with me. When I face something hard or something people tell me I can’t achieve, I will do whatever it takes to prove that I can.

I spent my childhood in Cameroon where I lived with my mum and my brother, Kennet. I was a happy little girl — full of life with lots of energy. I loved hanging out with the boys and my mum wanted me to stay at home like the other girls, but I was a tomboy and didn’t want to stay in and help with the cleaning! She was OK with that eventually — she just wanted us to be happy.

We left Cameroon when I was 11 and Kennet was 12. We got on our first plane and arrived in the UK. My dad was already in Bolton