By Eric Stock
ST. LOUIS – Two soccer players who risked their lives simply by telling their story have found new life in America, while a man who helped their escape is sharing their story in the Twin Cities this week.
J.R. Biersmith tells a story of Somalia national soccer players Sa’ad Hussein and Saadiq Mohammed in the documentary ‘Men In The Arena.’ He called it a classic underdog tale, two young men who used soccer and their own bravery to escape a land of no opportunity.
See a preview here.
“Is there a story that says what it’s like to survive there, just be a kid without reservations and has dreams versus picking up a gun and joining some group?” Biersmith asked. “Do they have options to pick up a pen?”
The documentary will play at Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan at 7 p.m. then at Capen Auditorium at Illinois State Tuesday night at 7.
Biersmith has taken the documentary on a tour of college campuses.
“It doesn’t matter what your politics are or what your understanding of world affairs are, everyone can understand an underdog story,” Biersmith said.
The two Somali men are now living in St. Louis. One of them is attending St. Louis University where he was recently named Atlantic 10 soccer co-Rookie of the Week.
Biersmith will be on hand to answer questions after the screenings.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
