DISCRIMINATIONS IN SPECIAL SPORTS!
Dear Sir,
Marginalisation of Deaf Sports, Deaf Athletes, Sportmen/Women and Discriminations On Account of Non-release of funds for Deaf Athletes participation in Deaflympics holding between 18-30 July in Turkey.
The entire deaf members of Nigerian Deaf Sports Federation(NDSF) hereby appeal for release of funds for their participation in Deaflympics taking place in Turkey between 18 and 30 July 2017.
Its sad that the federal ministry of youth & sports are always in support of able-bodied sports at the detriment of special sports, most importantly Deaf Sports which is always relegated and neglected.
Too often, the deaf have to crawl on all four, with cap in hand begging passionately for funding and support. We’ve to beg and beg before we are considered.
As we talk, the Ministry had camped officials and athletes of able-bodied sports for preparations towards Nigeria’s participation in the Commonwealth Games coming up within the same time frame(17 – 25 July) at Nassau, Bahamas. However, when approached for funds to camp Deaf athletes in preparation for Deaflympics, the response has always been sluggish and too slow.
We are sad that whenever it comes to Deaf people’s turn, its always excuses galore! Its like the deaf aren’t human, or we are third rated Nigerian citizens. Its our believe that if Deaf sports receive the kind of attention and supports given to able-bodied sports, we too can excel. All are presumed to be equal. Therefore, treat all equally Sir.
Our Deaf footballers(Deaf Super Eagles) recently won the West African Deaf Nations Cup held in Mali last month. This is a boost to their determination to represents Nigeria very well in the global Deaflympics where competition will be more fierce and competitive than the Commonwealth Games. Although we are all aware of the economic recession, honestly, what’s sauce for gander, is sauce for geese!
Therefore, we appeal to the Hon. Minister to quickly and urgently release funds for participation of the Deaf in the global fiesta as soon as possible.
We anticipate your earliest and positive response Sir.
Kindest regards,
2 comments
I concur to this campaign and clarion call on the Minister and Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to do the needful.
This is more of the reason why the Federal Government should urgently pass the national disability rights Bill into law in total compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (UNCRPD) and its accompanying protocol. We won’t stop until it come to fruition.
For now the struggle continue unabated.
I totally concur with you!