PWDs in Lira City embark on games to raise awareness

Lira I Several Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Lira City West Division have started playing different games, such as bottle hitting and bocce, which have positive effects on their health.

Anna Abonyo, the coach of Rwot En Teko Inclusive Sports Club, said bocce is a game played between two teams. Each team, she said, uses four bocce balls that are coloured differently.

“The goal of the game is to roll the bocce ball closer to the white ball so that the target ball can earn more points and the team can win,” Anna Abonyo explained.

There are challenges being addressed by involving PWDs in games and sports that are appropriate for them, she added.

She stated that through games, they hope to reduce stigma against PWDs in the community, assist in identifying and mobilising PWDs, raise awareness of the value of the practice among the disabled, and use sports as a therapeutic measure, among other things.

She further stated that through sports, they are bringing the attention of local authorities and community members to the needs of people with disabilities.

The coach outlined the club’s challenges, which include a lack of playing equipment, limited finances, and insufficient funding from a Danish group of people with disabilities.

Dan Ogole, Lira City sports officer, stated during a demonstration gala organised by the PWDs of Lira City West Division on Saturday, June 15, 2024, that his office will provide some balls but no training equipment for their indoor games.

According to Ogole, the training equipment is uncommon, making it difficult to obtain.

Acting Mayor of Lira City East Rebecca Alwedo Ogole, a member of the PWDs, encouraged continued practice and stated that there is already a plan to expand it to an inter-division competition with awards.

The majority of leaders need them during election season and then turn a blind eye, according to Tonny Obong, the PWDs councillor for Lira City West.

Steven Okello pointed to challenges in getting documents approved for fund lobbying as evidence of how some leaders undermine PWDs. “They tend not to consider us.”

Daniel Okwir, the Community Development Officer of Lira City East, emphasised the importance of building positive relationships between people with disabilities and other stakeholders in order for them to thrive.

He encouraged people with disabilities to take advantage of government initiatives such as special grants to improve their living conditions.

Rwot En Teko Inclusive Sports Club grew out of Rwot En Teko Disabled Persons’ main group, which had been in existence for eight years.

By Regina Lalam Olal.