Global Sports Mentoring Program

Rwandan Lawyer Fights for Rights and Inclusion

Growing up in Rwanda, Jean Baptiste saw firsthand the realities that persons with disabilities face. Members in his community see people like him as incapable of contributing to society, which is magnified by the country’s inaccessible sport facilities and lack of adaptive equipment and inclusive programming. However, as a lawyer with the National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda, Jean Baptiste works diligently to improve the conditions of persons with disabilities and specializes in legal rights advocacy.

With his personal and professional background, Jean Baptiste aims to use sport as a tool for social integration and empowerment. For GSMP: Sport for Community 2019, Jean Baptiste will be mentored by Larry Labiak, Disability Policy Officer, and his team at the Chicago Park District in Chicago, IL.

Larry Labiak, Chicago, IL

Disability Policy Officer, Chicago Parks District

Larry Labiak began his professional career in broadcast journalism after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He later operated a successful durable medical equipment sales business, while accruing 30+ years of experience as a competitor, floor official, coach and administrator in adaptive sports and recreation programs for youth and adults with disabilities. After 12 years in the Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Larry was appointed the District’s Disability Policy Officer in 2005.

"Many of the people we serve are triple minorities: color, gender, and ability. We know how to work with all kinds of people, and we take a teamwork approach to mentorship. We want to expose an emerging leader to what we do, but also to find creative approaches and the right people to help them get ahead with their own visions."

Meet the Match

Rwandan Lawyer Fights for Rights and Inclusion

Mentor Matches