By Samson Rotich

The annual Inter-university Parasports Competition brings together students with disabilities from Kenyan universities, featuring exciting sports like goalball, table tennis, shotput, javelin, sitting volleyball, and sprints, which are all tailored for people with disabilities. Last year’s event was hosted by Maseno University, while this year’s took place at Kenyatta University from November 30 to December 1.

USIU-Africa participated in this sports competition for the second time, sending a diverse team of 15 men and women with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments to compete in goalball, sitting volleyball, scrabble, and shot put. Day one of the event marked preliminary stages while day two staged the finals.

The USIU-Africa men’s goalball team finished undefeated, defeating the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Mount Kenya University to take first place. The women’s goalball team finished in third place. The sitting volleyball team on the other hand earned a second runners-up position, while the chess team took the fourth position.

USIU-Africa showcased its dedication to disability inclusion, with a newly acquired accessible bus receiving much praise from the other universities present. Students in wheelchairs expressed their excitement in the supportive amenities which reflects the university’s role in promoting inclusivity.

As the event wrapped up, the same team is planning to participate in the upcoming East African Inter-university Sports Championships set for December 16-21 at Maseno University. This regional competition will also include parasports, providing another chance for the team to excel.

This year’s event not only celebrated athletic talent but also reinforced the spirit of inclusion. USIU-Africa’s impressive performance and commitment to accessibility became an example for others, proving that with the right support, barriers can be broken, and potential ignited. Therefore, as the team looks ahead to the East African Inter-university Sports Championships, they carry with them the pride of their achievements and the promise of more winnings.

USIU-Africa’s impressive performance and commitment to accessibility set a standard for others, proving that with the right support, barriers can be broken, and potential unleashed. As the team looks ahead to the East African Inter-university Sports Championship, they carry with them the energy of their achievements and the promise of boundless winnings.