Deaf league excites sports administrators

The Deaf people have in the past been viewed as intellectually inferior and linguistically impoverished. This trend is steadily changing in Uganda as their involvement in sport goes beyond individual participation to the cultural bonding.

The deaf took part in the third phase of the national deaf league that climaxed at Namboole. Deaf sport is designed specifically to satisfy their physical, psychological and social needs.

National deaf league organizer Edgar Watson says he wants the society to involve deaf children in sports and recreation activities

“ We are all human beings but sometimes I wonder why people look at them differently ” says delighted Edgar .

Low turn up

There over 20 deaf schools in Uganda but only 9 managed to take part in the one day national event. Nancy deaf school from Lira emerged overall winners after beating Mulago 1-0 in the girls final.

The Lira school were again victors in the boys final with a 4-2 penalty win over Edgars after playing to a two all draw.

Challenges

Speaking on behalf of the deaf league sponsor, the political advisor at the Dutch Embassy Benjamin Enkler says deaf schools need to be fully equipped.

“ Its unfortunate they are in schools which lacks facilities, so it's still challenging for them ” explains Enkler.

He adds that there is need to integrate deaf children in whatever part of sport they want in society instead of ruling them out.

The deaf in Uganda have not had chance to participate in the deaflympic games since they started in 1924.

Way forward

In Uganda deaf sport started in 2006 and plans are under to set up several structures having started in with under 15 groups.

We are going to have several teams of under 17 and 18 to make sure we get a team that will represent Uganda at their games.

Much can be done to assist deaf people, not only in becoming more active movers, but in gaining knowledge of opportunities and benefits associated with deaf sport.