Yaounde: Holiday sports programme for children with hearing impairment launched.

This was during a ceremony presided over by the Director of the Department of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly in Minister of Social Affairs, Ndengho Maurine, on behalf of the Minister Pauline Irène Nguene.

The initiative, which is scheduled to run for July and August, was launched by the Non-Governmental Organisation, Deaf Sound, in collaboration with the Regional Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, and the AMT Club Yaounde.

The ceremony was also an occasion for UNESCO’s Regional Office to donate some sporting gears and equipment to aid the children carry out several sporting disciplines including lawn tennis, karate, football, handball and swimming. 

Speaking at the launch, the minister’s representative, Ndengho Maurine, expressed gratitude to Deaf Sound for the innovative and inclusive initiative that takes into consideration children with disabilities, and to UNESCO for its continuous support in helping Cameroonian children.

With the aid of a sign language translator, she called on the children to maintain healthy behaviours as they compete, because sports for people with disabilities is a catalyst for social inclusion as it allows them come in contact with their identity, their power, teamwork and involvement with others.

Ndengho encouraged the children to focus on their potentials, rather than their disability, and to take their exercises seriously as it will strengthen their self-esteem and autonomy.

“A few months ago, we celebrated the victory of athlete, Lamina Najma Louisette Ndognje, who has an autistic disorder but won a gold medal in the women’s 100m, at the Special Olympics World Games held from June 17 to 25, 2023 in Berlin. Despite her disability, she is resolutely committed to the international sporting scene. I encourage you to make the same determination,” Ndengho told the children.

The minister representative also urged the children, coaches and facilitators to make good use of the kits donated by UNESCO.

Enter UNESCO Regional Office boss

UNESCO’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Paul Coustère, reiterated satisfaction with the initiative which is at the crossroads of sports and inclusivity, and set to reveal many hidden talents.

“Sports, it should be remembered, is a powerful vehicle for social inclusion, personal development and good health. It breaks down barriers, encourages exchanges and enhances the capabilities of each individual. Disabled people have many hidden talents. If we don't give them the opportunity to express themselves, we will never detect them,” Coustère stated.

While thanking the coaches for their help in moulding the children become better sportspersons, he said UNESCO’s support is through its flagship Fit4Life programme.

“Together, let’s continue to promote inclusion, break down stereotypes and build a fairer and more equitable society where people with disabilities achieve their full potential. Together, we’re stronger,” the Regional Director said.

About ‘Deaf, Active Included’

The inclusive sporting event ‘Deaf, Active, Included’ is a nine-week programme that aims at promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in general, and particularly the inclusion of children with hearing impairment by providing them chances to participate in regular sports activities.

According to the Founder of the organising NGO, Deaf Sound, Sandrine Koffi, the rationale behind the initiative is to help push the message that a deaf person can do anything like takeng part in sporting activities.

“We want to raise awareness on the integration of deaf people in everyday life, to let people know that living with a disability is not an eternal condemnation. We want to show people that not having the ability to hear does not prevent one from being active,” Koffi declared.

She added that during summer holidays, which is generally long, most children are not opportune to have activities that can keep them busy, so they idle around and can even become delinquents. 

“We thought it wise to organise a sporting activity that will bring together deaf children, because they like being together and enjoy free time and share an activity. It will kill idleness and help the children be busy,” Koffi said.

For two months; three times a week, registered children will learn and take part in different sporting activities.

The story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3157 of Wednesday July 3, 2024