Philippe Amann - athlete

RESC: Philippe, how do you usually introduce yourself when you meet someone new?

Philippe Amann (PA): I’m an athlete.

RESC: What is your “superpower”?

PA: I’ve acquired broad expertise in a range of sports (football, ice hockey, tennis).

RESC: What are people without physical limitations most amazed about when they meet you?

PA: My positive approach to life.

RESC: In what situations do you feel “dis-abled” (in the sense of restricted, or prevented from doing something) in society and/or in your everyday life?

PA: When buildings aren’t wheelchair-accessible (stairs instead of a lift, too-small rooms, uneven floors), I become as aware of my limitations as when I realise that the public notice the wheelchair before they notice the person.

RESC: What is your greatest wish for the future?

PA: That we support each other as a society rather than hinder each other, that we focus on solutions rather than problems, and that we also keep trying to learn from each other. It would be wonderful if we could approach each other with open hearts and minds.

Bio

My name is Philippe Amann, and I’ve been reliant on my wheelchair since I was a small child (premature birth). I grew up in a sports-mad family, so sports have always held an important place in my life. Whether watching or playing, I always love to be involved. I’ve been a keen powerchair hockey player (floorball in an electric wheelchair) and table tennis player for a long time. I also like reading, and love communication and foreign languages. I work in business administration at the Schulungs- und Wohnheime Rossfeld Foundation in Bern.

external page Rossfeld Foundation

external page Rolling Thunder Power Hockey Team

external page Watch Rolling Thunder play vs SC Bern

Miriam Daepp of the Competence Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Science (RESC) spoke with Philippe Amann in December 2021.