KIGOMA: THE government has stressed that it will continue to create inclusive atmosphere to enable people with intellectual disabilities participate in sports, entertainment and other developmental activities.
This was remarked recently in Kigoma Region by Kasulu Town Council District Executive Director Mwalimu Simbeye who insisted that intellectual disabled persons have what it takes to contribute positively in the society.
His comments come as Tanzania joins the rest of the world to celebrate Global Week of Inclusion (GWI) which started on July 20 until July 26 this year, aiming at advocating for inclusion and equality for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Intellectual disabled people have rights just like any other person as such, they should be included in all aspects of life because their contribution matters a lot.
“I am happy to see that they have taken part in various sporting activities which were organised here, this is what we need to see all the time because inclusion is more powerful than anything else,” he said.
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He then used the platform to urge parents and guardians of intellectual disabled persons not to hide them in homes but rather, let them out to socialize with their friends.
“Bring them out so that they can be seen, taken good care of, entertained and educated…they too need much love from the society that surrounds them,” Simbeye said.
Adding, he assured the gathering that government will ensure that intellectual disabled people are not segregated but rather included in everything since their contribution is highly required.
On his part, Special Olympics Tanzania (SOT) National Director Charles Rays emphasized on the importance of GWI saying it has come at the right moment when the world is remembering Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
“This month of July is priceless for Special Olympics community as we remember its founder who without her, we could not have been here…as such, celebrating GWI this month is like killing two birds using one stone,” he said.
He further disclosed that people with intellectual disabilities prefer to engage in sports and other entertainment activities like dancing hence a need to include them in these events.
“As SOT, we will always be available to ensure that we push for inclusion at all cost…but, we cannot manage to achieve this alone, we therefore request full cooperation from the government and private sectors not forgetting community members where these people live,” Rays said.
Throughout GWI, a number of inclusive sporting activities will be conducted across the country which have been well coordinated by SOT.