Referees and umpires have been challenged to ensure fairness to all teams and participants during the ongoing 2024 term one Ministry of Education Schools’ Co-Curricular Activities going on at different regions in the country.
Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-curricular activities Mr. Nelson Sifuna made the remarks during the official opening of the 20th edition of the Nationals Term One Primary and Secondary Special Needs Education (SNE) Games Championships at Nakuru High School where he was the chief guest urging the participants to stick to the rules and enjoy the games and smooth flow of the programme.
Sifuna said the Ministry of Education was aware of the enormous benefits that students got from sports which provided an opportunity for the participants to meet in a competitive environment where each of them must observe strict rules of the game, be fast and yet accurate, leading to a high level of self-discipline in an individual.
He affirmed that scientific studies have shown that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps the body build more network connections between the nerves, leading to increased concentration, enhanced memory, stimulated creativity and better developed problem-solving skills.
Sifuna particularly appreciated the special needs’ games and sports for learners with diverse abilities noting that the event was not just a celebration of athleticism, but a testament to the indomitable spirit and boundless potential of every individual, regardless of their challenges.
He appraised the current curriculum reforms in the CBC, saying that Physical Education (PE) and sports were both a learning area and career pathway that needed to be developed and pursued.
Sifuna encouraged the athletes to be ambassadors of possibility since their presence was a beacon of hope for countless others who dared to dream beyond their limitations where their achievements would resonate far beyond the confines of the arena, igniting a spark of hope in hearts around the world.
The chief guest extended an invitation to all SNE sports fans, coaches, volunteers and supporters to the Nakuru event which creates a platform for dreams to flourish and barriers to be shattered.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Sports has power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” echoed Sifuna saying the games would continue for the entire week and would be a testament to the transformative power of sport and serve as a beacon of hope, inclusion and possibility for generations to come.
According to Sifuna, sports is a journey of inclusivity, unity and empowerment which transcends barriers and redefines the meaning of sportsmanship embracing diversity as the greatest strength and recognizing the unique talents that athletes bring to the field.
He appreciated the athletes as embodiment of resilience, courage and determination in a journey marked by countless triumphs and challenges overcome in pursuit of excellence inspired by unwavering dedication and spirit.
By Joseph Kamolo Mutua
