The story behind BARIMAH.
Two ways. One attitude.
Can's Story
A few years ago, my life changed completely. I suffered two strokes and had a near-death experience that has shaped my view of life to this day. In that moment between life and death, I felt like I encountered a deceased friend. As I tried to reach out to him, I suddenly woke up in the ambulance. For a long time, I couldn't comprehend what had happened. But eventually, I started to see it differently: as a second chance. Since then, I've tried to make the most of this second chance every day – physically, mentally, and humanly. Sports became more than just training for me. It became a symbol of always getting back up, overcoming limits, and becoming the best version of myself. With BARIMAH, I want to pass on exactly this attitude. For me, "Heart of an Athlete" doesn't just mean performance in sports. It means strength of character, perseverance, and the decision to keep going despite setbacks.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR SECOND CHANCE?
For Can, BARIMAH means passing on his second chance.
Starting fresh every day.
Reaching out to others.
And giving back with dignity.
Vicky's Story
BARIMAH starts with my childhood. I learned early on that I didn't belong. My skin color, my hair, and my weight became a target for many, and thus something I was ashamed of. I heard words no child should hear. Words that made me feel wrong. Too black. Too different. Too much. Not beautiful enough. Not fitting in enough. So I tried to adapt. I wanted to stand out less. I wanted to belong. I straightened my hair with chemical products, dyed it blonde, and tried everything not to be who I truly was. And at some point, this desire to be different also turned against my own body. The feeling of not fitting in became an attempt to make myself smaller – literally. I slipped into anorexia and lost my zest for life. At some point, I asked myself: What are you doing, Vicky? Is that really you? A good friend helped me see my Afro for what it truly is: not something that needs to be hidden or changed, but a part of me. And even more importantly: she helped me to see myself with more love again.
Many people know this feeling of having to adapt to belong. But why, actually? Culture is something beautiful. Heritage is something valuable. Identity is not something you have to shed to be accepted. BARIMAH is my way of healing my wounds and giving others the feeling I myself searched for for a long time: to be seen, valued, and strong enough, exactly as they are.
CULTURE IS SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. ORIGIN IS SOMETHING VUABLE.
Identity is not something you should shed to be accepted. For Vicky, BARIMAH is more than sportswear. It's her way of healing her wounds, connecting with people, and giving others the feeling she herself has long sought: to be seen, appreciated, and strong enough just as they are. BARIMAH is for everyone who carries their roots, culture, and individuality with respect and appreciation.