Chinedum Elekwachi
Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has urged religious institutions to continue to speak for its members in the face barriers of discrimination, isolation and exclusion.
Anambra State Chairman, Comr. Ugochukwu Okeke stated this on Tuesday at Ifitedunu during a novelty football match between Catholic Priests of the Awka Diocese and the JONAPWD Anambra Blind Football Team.
The competition which ended 2-1 against the Blind Football Team was in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Speaking ahead of the match, Okeke said the match was targeted at drawing the church closer to his members to enable them feel their pulse and support them accordingly.
He said, “The match is targeted at promoting inclusion. We intentionally want them to have a one-day experience of what it takes to be virtually impaired.
“By feeling that blindness, they’ll appreciate better what the virtually impaired are experiencing in the society.
“When you’re now telling them about making provisions to accommodate PWDs in their churches, including accessibility, they will easily understand.
“Besides, this match will further draw both the church leadership and members closer to PWDs and their roles to them.
“One of such roles is to assist us facilitate the implementation of the Disability Rights Law in the state.”
Awka Diocese leadership
Appreciating Diocese of Awka leadership, priests, partners and supporters for making the event possible, JONAPWD boss prayed the event marked another step towards a nation where “every person is valued, included and empowered.”
Team captain of the Awka Diocesan Priests (DOSAD), Rev Fr Remigius Obasi described the competition as both exciting and eye-opener for the clerics to appreciate challenges being faced by PWDs, especially the virtually impaired.
Obasi, who is also Manager, Christ the King College, Isuaniocha appreciated the government for providing the PWDs with the platform to display that “there is ability in disability.”
He urged them not to be discouraged by various forms of neglects they face in the society, pledging church continued support, just as he solicited those of other stakeholders to bettering their lots.
He said, “This is another opportunity for us to rejoice with you. It really takes a lot of calculation, brain work and movement to play without seeing, especially for the first time.
“But it’s an experience. I’m so excited. This is indeed an eye-opener. For us with open eyes struggling to see within 30mins is a battle. Imagine what it takes for someone who is blind for life.
“It’s very painful and pitiable. That’s why PWDs deserve to be celebrated and given a voice in the society. They should be given equal opportunity with others because they have lots of talents.
“Infact, they would have won us if the match had continued. We only won because this pitch is ours and we’ve been used to it.”
