Hajrullahu: From a War Survivor to a Football Star in Canada
By: Fitim Salihu August 28, 2014
Lirim Hajrullahu (born April 24, 1990) is a Canadian football placekicker who is currently a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. Hajrullahu played CIS football at the University of Western Ontario and attended Governor Simcoe Secondary School in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Lirim was born in Përlepnica, Gjilan and fled to Canada when he was eight-years-old on a refugee flight to escape war. He started playing football in grade 10 at Governor Simcoe Secondary School in St. Catharines, Ontario.
His story begins in 1998, when Lirim was just eight years old and his homeland Kosovo erupted in war. A year later, his parents fled Kosovo with their son and two daughters in tow and found their way onto a refugee flight bound for Canada. Together, they would build a new life in the safety of Ontario — and they would never forget what it means to leave everything behind.
In this short video you can see the story of his family and the story of his success.
You can also read his story in this article.
Fitim Salihu
Fitim Salihu holds a bachelor degree from University of Prishitna in Political Science. Currently resides in Gjilan, and is a freelance contributor at KosovoDiaspora.org. He led the student organization named “ "Students Political Club" and is an active member of civil society in Gjilan.
Follow Me:
