Blind Football Launched in Juba to Promote Inclusivity
Whenever a parent has a child with visual impairment or a blind girl in a family, the entire family gets disappointed.
Light for the World, an international organization focusing on disability inclusion and empowerment, has launched a program aimed at promoting blind football (also known as blind soccer) in South Sudan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create an inclusive society for visually impaired individuals and to prepare them for participation in the 2028 Paralympics scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Joseph Geng, reinstates the ministry’s commitment to inclusive sports that promote greater participation and recognition for all athletes, particularly those living with disabilities.
“The ministry will do all that is possible to support all the federations in the sport 2028, especially blind football and all the games that involve inclusivity for all our youth.”
Lewis Mawut, the chairperson of the Association of the Visually Impaired, emphasizes the need for investment in activities specifically designed for visually impaired persons, such as funding for adaptive sports programs, training for coaches on how to work with athletes with disabilities, and creating accessible facilities that accommodate their needs. Such investments not only enhance participation rates but also ensure that these individuals have equal opportunities to engage in competitive sport.
Mawut says visually impaired individuals participating in sports can help break down barriers and challenge societal perceptions about disability.
“We saw that basketball has made South Sudan proud, but we also want to do something extraordinary by trying to invest in people who are no longer valued in their homes. Whenever a parent has a child with visual impairment or a blind girl in a family, the entire family gets disappointed. The community also gets disappointed, the father becomes worried about the future of his child, the employer becomes worried about the value of his employee, everybody becomes concerned that this person is no longer living a valuable life.”
The disability inclusion facilitator of Light for the World, Simon Madol, says commitment from new participants indicates a positive trend towards greater inclusion within sports for individuals with disabilities. Many aspiring players express determination not only to participate but also to excel in their skills through dedicated practice and preparation.
While the origins of blind soccer can be traced back several decades, formalized competitions began to emerge in the late 20th century. The first official blind football tournament was held in 1996 at the Atlanta Paralympic Games. Since then, various organizations have worked to promote and develop the sport globally.
Author: Ritah Iliwa M
