Paule Ella Guei has had to overcome many challenges on her journey to becoming a referee for the Ivorian Rugby Union (FIR). Laughed at for officiating men’s games, she had to develop a thick skin - and was rewarded for her efforts by being selected as a Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) ambassador, and one of 12 Unstoppables on the continent.
Now, Guei has an even greater accolade to her name, with the distinction of an Ivorian Sports Awards Sports+ recognising her efforts to develop rugby in Côte d Ivoire.
“This award is the proof of the hard work we put in every day for the promotion of gender through rugby,” says Guei. “It is a symbol of the recognition of women s rugby as a discipline to be supported and included into all athletic activities and events. With this award, we have succeeded in positioning women s rugby, which used to go unnoticed, into the list of sports that are worth keeping an eye on in Ivory Coast.”