War victims find new life in sports

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27-year-old Ermin Jusufovic lost one of his legs when he stepped  on an uncleared mine at the age of 16. He says playing volleyball  has given him another life.

27-year-old Ermin Jusufovic was born in the second largest city of Banialuca in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He lost one of his legs when he stepped on an uncleared mine at the age of 16. Ermin Jusufovic says playing volleyball has given him another life. He's one of the best players on the team.

The stories of the Bosnia Herzegovina players remind us of the origin of the Olympics and the Paralympics --- to help those who suffered disabilities in war. Their experience shows that sport is an effective way to recover from disabilities, and also to help heal psychological injuries. To these players, sports has become a big part of their new lives.

Bosnia and Herzegovina won the gold medal in Athens four years ago, but were beaten by Iran in three straight sets here in Beijing.

Ermin Jusufovic said, "It's not what I expected. I expected to win the gold, but it's a game, and even sometimes you lose. I know I have a reason to love volleyball more than before."

Though only a silver, it's the first and only medal that Bosnia and Herzegovina has won at the Beijing Paralympics. Ermin Jusufovic and his teammates know that their volleyball career now has a new start.

Editor:Zhang Ning