Referees urged to uphold fairness as 20th edition of Special Needs games kick off in Nakuru

Referees and umpires have been challenged to ensure fairness to all teams and participants during the ongoing 2024 term one school co-curricular Activities going on in different regions in the country.

Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-curricular Activities Head Nelson Sifuna made the remarks during the official opening of the 20th edition of the Nationals Term One Primary and Secondary Special Needs Education Games Championships at Nakuru High School on Sunday. 

Sifuna was the chief guest and he urged the participants to stick to the rules and enjoy the games and smooth flow of the programme.

"The Ministry of Education is aware of the enormous benefits that students get from sports which provide an opportunity for the participants to meet in a competitive environment," he said. 

Sifuna said in the competitive space, learners must observe strict rules of the game, be fast and yet accurate, leading to an individual who has a high level of self-discipline.

He said the opportunity to participate and watch some of the most popular games will help the learners develop physically, socially and emotionally. 

He added that it will also enable the learners to acquire essential values of obedience, tolerance, patience, accountability, respect and stamina leading to an all-rounded individual and the opportunity to display talents.

"Scientific studies have shown that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and helps the body build more network connections between the nerves, leading to increased concentration, enhanced memory, stimulated creativity and better-developed problem-solving skills," Sifuna said. 

Sifuna particularly appreciated the special needs games and sports for learners with diverse abilities noting that the event was not just a celebration of athleticism, but a testament to the indomitable spirit and boundless potential of every individual, regardless of their challenges.

He appraised the current curriculum reforms in the CBC, saying that Physical Education (PE) and sports are both a learning area and career pathways that need to be developed and pursued.

Sifuna extended an invitation to all SNE sports fans, coaches, volunteers and supporters to the Nakuru event which creates a platform for dreams to flourish and barriers shattered.

According to Sifuna, sports is a journey of inclusivity, unity and empowerment which transcends barriers and redefines the meaning of sportsmanship embracing diversity as the greatest strength and recognising the unique talents that athletes bring to the field.