Uganda’s SNE teams shine at FEASSA Games

Uganda’s Special Needs Education (SNE) contingent featuring St. Francis School for the Blind, Madera, and Salaama School for the Blind, Mukono has made a powerful impression at the ongoing Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Kenya.

Displaying remarkable skill, discipline, and sportsmanship, the teams have already made Uganda proud with strong performances in their opening matches.

In a spirited showdown on Sunday, St. Francis School for the Blind edged out Kenya’s Kitale 5–4 in Goalball, a Paralympic sport designed for the visually impaired. The Ugandan girls showed grit and maturity, overcoming a well-drilled host side in a thrilling contest.

“I loved the way Team Uganda displayed composure and maturity on the field. Beating the host nation is never easy,” said Dan Oyek, games teacher at St. Francis School for the Blind.

Oyek noted that Uganda’s SNE teams have consistently excelled at regional competitions, winning the overall SNE trophy for the past seven years. He praised their resilience and tactical awareness, which continue to elevate their performance on the court.

“Their presence at the FEASSA Games highlights Uganda’s growing commitment to inclusive sports—ensuring that students with special needs have platforms to showcase their talents, compete at high levels, and inspire others,” he added.

Beyond competition, participation in these games opens doors for regional and international sponsorships, while raising awareness about Goalball and other adaptive sports.

Goalball is played with a ball containing bells, allowing players to track its movement by sound. All players wear eye shades to ensure fairness, relying on hearing and touch to navigate the court and score goals.

Uganda has also fielded 19 athletes in Showdown, a version of table tennis for the blind and Blind Football, further reinforcing the country’s dedication to diversity and equal opportunity in sport.

Their involvement marks a significant step forward in empowering students with special needs and cementing inclusive sports as a vital pillar of the FEASSA Games.