In a gesture of unity, Friendship and strength to showcase the beauty in diversity of abilities, Gulu city with Ability sports held its first marathon race to appreciate those victimised and sidelined by the community. Majorly attended by the disabled persons. The 5km race attracted over six hundred and fifty participants from the region.
This groundbreaking event organised by Ability Sports Africa, Gulu city and Adaptx USA provided a powerful platform for individuals with disabilities to unveil their hidden potential advocating for social inclusion and challenging negative attitudes and cultural beliefs that exclude individuals with disabilities from sports and community engagement
Speaking to Nile Post, Mataagulu Vincent, head coach Uganda Paralympic committee says northern Uganda has a lot of untapped talents which needs to be recognised and promoted.
“Many disable person in the region have talent but lucks identifications, we can only do the region proud to recognised the disable trying to promote sport from the upcountry”
Ojara Sunday, Gulu district Sports officer says the 5km race has only opened the eye of the district and leaders from the region that disability is not inability, he says the district will prioritize sports which promotes education and inclusiveness.
In this inaugural marathon, over 250 participants with various disabilities including hearing and visual impairments, as well as physical disabilities like wheelchair users, tricycle users, and amputees joined others in a spirit of unity.
The race featured 5-kilometer, 100-meter, and 400-meter distances, complemented by inclusive games where blind participants ran with guides and wheelchair users teamed up with helpers. It attracted an inspiring mix from schools, communities, and partner organisations.
Ability Sports Africa embraces the concept of reverse inclusion, fostering an environment where individuals with disabilities invite their able-bodied peers to share in their experiences through sports and games.
This unique approach encourages participants to understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, such as experiencing life in a wheelchair or engaging in blindfolded games.
Musema Farouk, team head Ability sports says this is just the beginning, he encourages government to recognise the disable, those seen as “can’t “do anything by the society, With plans to extend this initiative to more cities and communities in Uganda, including Kampala, Ability Sports Africa is committed to collaborating with partners to continue championing the goals of this transformative race and inclusiveness.