Bhutanese Refugees in Harrisburg Use Soccer to Rebuild Community
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Bhutanese refugees have found a sense of community and healing through soccer. Displaced from Bhutan due to ethnic cleansing, these refugees have settled in the U.S. and use soccer as a means to connect with their heritage and cope with past traumas. The sport, which became a lifeline in refugee camps in Nepal, continues to play a crucial role in their lives. The community organizes annual tournaments and youth programs, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural continuity. Despite facing challenges such as deportations, the community remains resilient, using soccer as a tool for integration and empowerment.