Kenya Primary Special Schools Association for Learners with Special Needs (KPSSALSN) has appealed to the government through the Ministry of Education to facilitate special primary schools acquire the right sports equipment and materials for their learners.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 17th Edition of National Special Schools Ball Games Championship at Meru Polytechnic, the association chair Sister Judith Khavengwesi said learners with special needs are talented in various sporting disciplines but lack appropriate playing kits to enable them develop their talents better.
Sister Khavengwesi noted that sporting equipment are very expensive for individual schools to afford hence the need for government to chip in.
She underscored the value of sports among learners with special needs noting that it contributes to them developing holistically.
“The games and sports provide the learners and coaches an opportunity for physical fitness. It is to enhance their identity as persons with special needs,” stated the association chair.
She cited the hearing impaired pupils who need swimming pools for their general physical fitness and standard wheelchairs during racing competitions.
Sister Khavengwesi added that mentally challenged learners need special call balls whereas the visually impaired need showdown tables and special balls.
She lauded the championships saying they shall make the country known both locally and internationally and the provision of the right equipment and materials will go a long way to entrench the success of CBC in the special schools.
The host Meru County CEC for Education Ms. Linah Kailanya commended the participants for their courage mentioning that their show makes the country proud.
“It is indeed a day of admiration seeing all the talents that have been showcased by these learners. This proves disability is not inability and indeed this is a well mandated treat for nurturing our special children,” Kailanya commended.
She urged parents with children who have special needs to seek for support from relevant government authorities noting that Meru County has launched a PWD Sacco.
A total of 1200 learners with special needs and 170 teachers are participating in the championship that started on Monday and is scheduled to end on Saturday.
By Richard Muhambe
