Odilo Lawiny

• Photographer
  Brian Hodges
• Prize
  Gold in Editorial / sports

On fields throughout Uganda, rubbish is transformed into handmade soccer balls known locally as Odilo Lawiny. The balls are spun into being with whatever’s at hand: rag or sock, tire or bark, plastic bag or banana leaves. Made entirely of recuperated materials, the balls give another life to something that would otherwise just be thrown away. These precious jewels are a symbol of Africa’s passion for football. Each is a unique work of art. They speak of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of a continent. They speak of people who manage to do so much with so little.