The National Chair of Special Schools Sports Kenya, Francis Manyala, speaking on Friday during the official opening of the games at Kericho Teachers Training College (KTTC), noted that some regions could not send the required number of participants per discipline.
Manyala said, for instance, that the Eastern region sent only 15 participants per discipline instead of 34 participants per discipline.
‘The Ministry gave us 34 learners per discipline from the regions. It is disappointing to note that the Eastern region could not manage to raise 34 learners per discipline because there were no funds.’ Added Manyala.
He, however, urged the directorate of special needs education to consider allocating more funds to sports discipline to enable many learners to participate in the games in the future.
Manyala explained that a total of 1035 special needs learners are participating in the national games, which are ongoing in Kericho until the 7th of August in four villages, namely the hearing-impaired learners at Keri
cho Teachers Training College, the physically impaired learners in Kericho High School, the mentally challenged learners and children with autism at Moi Tea Secondary School, the visually impaired, and the deaf-blind in Kipsigis High School.
He said that the participants would take part in football, netball, volleyball, goal ball, wheelchair football, and crutches football.
‘After the Nation Games, the visually impaired learners will proceed to the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports (FEASSA) Games 2023 from August 14th to 24th.’ Added Manyala.
The tournament was graced by Kericho County Commissioner (CC) Gilbert Kitiyo, who officially flagged off and opened the games.
Speaking during the Games, Kitiyo said that sports had value in keeping children with disabilities active and as a pathway to their independence. However, he said many of these children had extraordinary skills and could contribute to Paralympics games in the future.
‘By participating in these events, they not only have the p
otential to win medals for their country but also to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives,’ said Kitiyo.
He said that by participating in these events, they not only have the potential to win medals for their country but also to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
The County Commissioner urged parents and guardians of children living with disabilities not to hide them away from schools but to bring them out and enrol them in special needs schools where the same children will be able to discover and nurture their God-given talents.
‘Kericho County is privileged to host the national special needs games, where hundreds of visitors from various parts of the country support the economy of the county and boost sports tourism. Security has been beefed up within the county as the games continue, so participants should feel safe and secure,’ added Mr. Kitiyo.
Information, Communication, E-government, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Sports, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Brian Langat, who represented the Gov
ernor, Dr. Eric Mutai, who was the chief guest at the event, encouraged the participants that disability is not an inability, urging parents to give their special needs children a chance to access education and participate in sporting competitions.
He also thanked the Ministry of Education for considering Kericho to host the games, saying it was a privilege and honour to the county.
Other guests at the event included the County Assurance for National Special Needs Sports Abdi Moulid Abdi, Kericho County Director of Education Ngoneshi, Information, Communication, E-government, Youth Affairs, Gender, and Sports, and Chief Officer (CO) Geoffrey Bett.
Source : Kenya News Agency