Sports Group Supports Blind Football Players in Yei County

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Visually impaired persons in Yei River County have received specialised footballs to help them form a blind football team, in a move aimed at promoting inclusion and participation in community life in South Sudan.

The donation was made by the Women Empowerment Initiative during a handover ceremony held in Yei. The organisation provided footballs designed specifically for players with visual impairments.

Speaking at the event, Lucky Constantine, a volunteer and coordinator with the initiative, said the support was meant to ensure that all members of society are able to take part in social and recreational activities. He said people with visual impairments are often excluded from sports despite having the ability and interest to participate.

“The aim of this donation is to make sure everyone can participate meaningfully at all levels of society, including persons with visual impairments.”

He explained that the footballs are fitted with alarms that produce sound, allowing players to locate the ball by hearing and to play the game more confidently and safely.

Moses Asiki, who represented the visually impaired community and chairs the Disability Inclusion Agency, welcomed the donation and described it as timely. He said people with visual impairments continue to face many challenges within their communities, including limited access to recreational activities.

Asiki called on organisations and authorities to provide further support, including training for coaches with the skills needed to guide blind football players. He said proper coaching is essential to help participants develop confidence and talent.

Members of the visually impaired community in Yei expressed appreciation for the support, saying the footballs would help reduce stress, encourage social interaction and challenge negative attitudes towards disability.

They said the initiative sends a strong message that disability does not mean inability, and that with the right support, people with visual impairments can actively contribute to community life in South Sudan.

Key features of the donated footballs