“The theme of our event was Break the Barriers – Play Together”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated today and aims to promote the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development.

It also aims to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services in Uganda (CoRSU) based in Kisubi, Uganda, organises an annual sports event that I fortunately took part in organising this year. 

This year the event was held on November 25 on the hospital premises. The aim of the event is to raise awareness about rehabilitation services provided to children with disabilities.  The hospital provides life-changing orthopaedic and plastic surgery to under-18s.

The theme was “Break the Barriers – Play Together” and over 400 children, both disabled and able-bodied, were in attendance.

The event started shortly after 9am with a walk through the neighbouring community.

Many children, including CoRSU patients, those from orphanages and disability homes, participated in the walk. 

The children were joined by their caretakers, CoRSU staff members with their children and members of the community.

The community walk was followed by sports activities such as tag rugby, crutch football and wheelchair racing. Both disabled and able-bodied children were encouraged to play together.

Other activities that took place included wheel dance competition, painting, a photo exhibition and a raffle draw.

Entertainment was provided by the children themselves showcasing dance moves, miming to songs by local artists and performing original compositions.

Overall, this event demonstrated that when children with disabilities are empowered, they can perform as well as able-bodied children. Disability is not inability.