By Caleb Mukwana

On June 5-8, adaptive sports teams participated in the inaugural Federation of East African University Sports Persons with Disabilities Championship, bringing home an impressive collection of trophies and medals. Making a powerful statement of accessibility, inclusion and sporting excellence, the team showcased outstanding talent, resilience, and teamwork.

Held at Makerere University in Uganda, the championship brought together student athletes with disabilities from universities across the East African region to compete in various adaptive sport disciplines. The university was well represented in various sports including sitting volleyball, goalball (men and women), and showdown (men and women). This event marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to promoting accessible and inclusive curricular and co-curricular activities.

In sitting volleyball, the USIU-Africa team walked away as champions, claiming the top position in the region. The men’s goalball team fought valiantly and although they narrowly missed the top position, they emerged as first runners-up. This was after displaying strategic skill and unwavering focus throughout the tournament. Similarly, the women’s goalball team delivered a strong performance, also finishing as first runners-up after a closely contested final against the hosts Makerere.

In the showdown category, which is a newly introduced game at the university, the men’s team, led by Hezborn Muiru and Festus Korir dominated the competition, earning the winners trophy and the Championship title while the women’s team, composed of Lencer Akello and Davin Moraa, finished as first runners-up.

These achievements are a testament not only to the athletic prowess of the university’s adaptive sports teams but also to the university’s broader vision of fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for all students. The dedication of the athlete, combined with the support from the community, has helped elevate USIU-Africa as a beacon of excellence in adaptive sports across the region. With this historic performance, the university fraternity remains proud and inspired, continuing to break barriers and champion equal opportunities through sport.