National Para Games kick off in Soroti with 26 districts, 500+ athletes

The General Secretary of the Uganda Paralympic Committee, Innocent Tumwesigye, has hailed the growing number of participating teams at the national disability gala as a sign of the sport's rising impact across the country.

Tumwesigye made the remarks as over 500 para-athletes gathered in Soroti City for this year's edition of the National Para Games.

The eight-day competition, running from September 27 to October 4, is organized by the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC) in partnership with the National Council of Sports (NCS) and aims to identify and nurture sporting talent.

This year's games have attracted 26 districts competing in 17 disciplines, including Para Athletics, Goalball, Wheelchair Basketball, Para Volleyball, Boccia, Amputee Football, Para Rowing, Para Powerlifting, Para Swimming, Ludo, Scrabble, Chess, Para Archery, Showdown, Para Cricket, Wheelchair Rugby, Blind Football, Judo, Para Badminton, Table Tennis and Para Dance Sport.

"I am impressed with how these games have grown. Last year in Masaka, we registered 17 teams, and this time the number has grown to 26, with competitors from primary schools, secondary schools, universities and community teams," Tumwesigye said.

The Soroti District Sports Officer, Richard Etidu, welcomed the guests and thanked the Uganda Paralympic Committee for choosing Soroti as the venue for the national meet.

Etidu said the championship is expected to provide an opportunity for young athletes, including learners with special educational needs, to showcase their sporting abilities while promoting inclusion, teamwork and talent development.

The Soroti City Mayor, Francis Esudu, lauded the organizers for selecting Soroti City to host games of this magnitude.

According to Esudu, the Police, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies have been deployed to provide security during and after the games.

"Security has been deployed to ensure that the championship takes place in a safe and peaceful environment. We are working with the organizers and other stakeholders to protect all participants and officials," Esudu said.

He urged participants to minimize unnecessary movements within Soroti City and to follow instructions issued by tournament organizers and team managers.

Meanwhile, the Sports Development Manager at the Uganda Paralympic Committee, Irene Nabisenke, said the committee has this year introduced Para Boxing as a new sport to widen opportunities for athletes.