Promotion & Development of Disability in Kenya through Wheelchair Basketball It is a fact that sports has the power to unite people in a way that little else does and it is our mission to encourage, explore, promote and develop wheelchair basketball both as a recreational and competitive sport from the grassroots to elite level. Sports not only plays an important role in rehabilitation but also gives persons with a disability an opportunity to reach their potential, achieve self-determination and integrate into society. These factors contribute greatly in increasing self-esteem and significantly improving the quality of life for persons with a disability. Kenya Wheelchair Basketball Federation (KWBF) was established in the year 2000 as the national body responsible for running wheelchair basketball in Kenya. A number of Paralympic athletes representing Kenya in the 1996 Paralympic Games witnessed wheelchair basketball being played and came back with the idea. Objectives - Creating awareness of the rehabilitative and social value of sports.
- Empowering and increasing the capacity of persons with a disability.
Location The project is primarily based at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya but branches have been established in 3 other regions and we hope to establish 2 more by the end of the project. Targetgroup The prime beneficiaries are persons with a disability. Use of sport Wheelchair basketball is the only team sport with set regulations accommodating all the different classes (types) of wheelchair athletes in the game thus providing real playing opportunities at all levels for persons with varied physical disabilities. What's more is women can play on the same team as men during recreational or learning opportunities. This makes wheelchair basketball one of the most effective and convincing models of inspiring persons with a disability to take up sports and experience the benefits sport has to offer. The reaction from the beneficiaries and the general public is very positive. The turn out has been encouraging and there is an obvious change in the mindset about the ability of persons with a disability to participate and excel in sports. The financial support from the U.S government through the Omega initiative was essential for the success of the project. Conclusions - One of KWBF'S objectives is to create social change. Though there is still a long way to go, progress is being made. There is a growing positive societal perception towards sport for persons with a disability as a result of such activities.
- The activities brought together beneficiaries for a common cause and led to the formation of clubs.
- The activities were successful mainly because of:
- Good ground work was done to establish viability of the project.
- Good response and co-operation from beneficiaries.
- Good publicity and advertisement in the media.
- Support from local companies which provided refreshment and snacks.
- Good turn out by the general public.
- Positive response from invited guests like District sports officers, area leaders, and the press.
- In order for such a project to succeed, a lot of goodwill from all spheres of society is needed. Lack of public support for activities involving persons with a disability is still an issue that has yet to be addressed. I would recommend anyone striving for the same objectives to embark on a feasible and viable project that will stimulate both the public and the private sector to assist. Good feasibility study ought to be done, involving influential people like politicians, teachers, public officers, government officials etc. is very necessary and using the media for publicity is mandatory.
Timeframe The project runs for one year from 1st March 04 in 28th Feb.05. It is our hope and desire that the seeds we plant are watered and nurtured into fruition. Currently we have managed to establish three new branches and hope to establish two more before the end of the project. The ideal situation would be that the beneficiaries are equipped with the necessary tools (basketball wheelchair, balls, etc) to enable them to implement the game of wheelchair basketball!! Our current financier has procured 12 basketball wheelchairs for the national team but we still need at least 60 more for the newly established sustainable clubs. We hope to get these clubs playing competitively in the near future so that we can have a league, form a strong national movement, and spread the impact that sport can play in changing perceptions of persons with a disability. Implementing Organization Kenya Wheelchair Basketball Federation. Contact The Co-ordinator Ronald Milare P.O. Box 5375-0056 NAIROBI, KENYA TEL: +254-733289622 Email: kwbfhq@yahoo.com | 