As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continues, Uganda Olympic Committee held Olympic and Paralympic Week from 3rd April to 7th April with a focus on inclusion. The week aimed at introducing more people to sports and shift young people’s perceptions of disability. With an estimated 12% of the population in Uganda having a disability, it is crucial to fight against stereotypes and misconceptions from an early age.
The week’s activities brought together over 300 students from five schools in the central, west, and eastern regions of Uganda. Its primary goal was to raise students’ awareness of the Olympic and Paralympic values while promoting the discovery of Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
Throughout the week, the schools set up various sports and para-sports activities centered around inclusion. The young people were able to discover sitting volleyball, blind football, and running without seeing, among other things. The activities provided an opportunity for the students to learn about Para athletes, various Para sports, and the Paralympic Games.
The theme of inclusion was particularly important for this year’s, with less than 500 days to go before the first Summer Paralympic Games in France. Inclusion is an essential aspect of the Olympic and Paralympic values, and it is crucial to promote it from an early age. The Olympic and Paralympic Week in Uganda provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and shift perceptions about disability. It also highlighted the potential of sports in supporting education and promoting values such as inclusion.
As the world looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, it is essential to continue promoting inclusion and fighting against disability discrimination. Olympic and Paralympic activities in Uganda provide an excellent platform for achieving this goal and inspiring the next generation of athletes and Para athletes.