Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere , Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Sign Language Interpreters Trust (SLIT) on Thursday launched a football academy in a bid to encourage the deaf community to develop an interest in the sport.
The Bulawayo-based organisation’s initiative, which has a broad vision of fostering inclusivity for deaf people in societal activities, launched the football academy at the Bulawayo Chiefs Village where a consignment of kits was donated by a group of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora.
The benefactors were represented by Thubelihle Ngwenya, who said their goal was to support the deaf community and make sure they participate effectively in sport.
“This is a first of many to come as we support the deaf in our society. Together with others in the Diaspora, and with good friend Collin Nyabadza, we have managed to source these kits in support of this academy. Going forward, we are looking forward for a good partnership. This is all for the course of uplifting the deaf and bringing them to the mainstream,” said the Canada-based Ngwenya.
Sign Language Interpreters Trust programmes director, Mbiko Nxumalo said: “Sport is a powerful tool for social inclusion. For our deaf athletes, opportunities like these challenge stereotypes and prove that the deaf community deserves equal platforms in society.”
The academy is set to start activity in due course.
