Competitive spirit and determination filled the atmosphere this week at Thika High School for the Blind during their lively sports event, demonstrating that visual impairment cannot hinder world-class athletic achievement.
The rhythmic footsteps of sprinters and the resonant sounds of powerlifting weights showcased the hidden abilities within the disability community. Despite the celebration of talent, officials and students made an urgent appeal to authorities and businesses to tackle the severe shortage of equipment and ongoing discrimination.
As one of Kenya’s oldest national special needs institutions, Thika High School for the Blind has become a hub for international talent. Principal Grace Kiarie noted that the school successfully combines demanding academics with high-level sports, achieving third place in the sub-county’s academic rankings.
Our students are not a burden; they are future champions, Kiarie emphasized. Several have competed in Turkey and across East Africa, bringing home medals and prize money that covers their educational expenses and supports their families. Through their athletic achievements, some have purchased land and constructed houses for their parents.
Members from the Kenya Society for the Visually Impaired (KESAVI) and the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) attended to identify potential Paralympians. KESAVI representative Kendrick Namal highlighted their nationwide mission across all 47 counties to ensure no talent goes unnoticed.
Thika School has been an excellent partner. We’ve discovered young athletes here who have earned bronze, silver, and gold medals for our country, Namal stated. He encouraged parents to stop hiding children with disabilities at home.
Sports Association for the Blind Treasurer Samson Waweru shared similar views: Parents could be concealing precious talents. Enroll them in school. We aim to develop these abilities to produce the next Henry Wanyike.
Despite these successes, the journey to achievement faces substantial obstacles. Officials pointed out that specialized equipment for sports such as goalball, powerlifting, judo, and chess is extremely costly and frequently sourced from Europe.
Training equipment is unavailable in most counties, Namal explained. When we need to train students in other areas, we must transport equipment from Nairobi. We’re requesting government assistance in establishing these facilities regionally.
Waweru noted that fundamental requirements remain unfulfilled. Many students competing today lack proper uniforms. Our swimming pool is outdated and non-operational. Businesses should recognize this as a valuable corporate social responsibility opportunity.
The day’s true highlights were the student athletes. Determined sprinter Phanice Nduta expressed her aspiration to become the world’s best.
What motivates me is witnessing a blind person outpace someone with sight in a race, Nduta shared. I’ve understood that disability is not an obstacle. We learn through touch, we run with passion, and the sole distinction between us and others is our vision.
Powerlifter Eugene Nasser, who is preparing for international competition, mentioned that sports offer benefits beyond physical healththey create income opportunities. We gain acknowledgment and financial support that addresses our difficulties. To those who look down on us: don’t. We can accomplish what you can, and occasionally, we can surpass you.
Beyond athletics, the discussion shifted toward these athletes’ future employment prospects. Kendrick Namal reminded the central government about the 5% employment quota for individuals with disabilities.
While the government mandates 5%, we’ve barely achieved 2% in public service and state corporations, Namal observed. These individuals possess intellect equal to anyone else; they merely possess different capabilities.
As daylight faded on the Thika sports grounds, Principal Kiarie offered a profound perspective on the universal nature of their situation. Disability represents a category without end, she stated. At any moment, anyone could join this group. Once you comprehend this, discrimination ceases, and you begin sharing your strengths.