On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Ephphata school was alive with the sound of sport disciplines during an exceptional event organized by the NGO LE VRAI CEP and ENVEST Togo, in collaboration with several sports associations. Aimed at deaf-mute children, the initiative highlighted the importance of sport as a lever for social inclusion.
On the grounds of the Ephphata school, around a hundred children with disabilities had the opportunity to discover and learn about a range of sporting disciplines, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, field hockey, roller sports, golf, badminton and taekwondo. The aim? To break down barriers, promote hidden talents and give them a legitimate place in the world of sport.
An initiative welcomed by educational leaders
BEMOU Kodjo Justin, principal of the Ephphata school, made no secret of his satisfaction:
"I'm very happy because when it comes to sport, our children are often left out in the cold. This day comes at just the right time. I'd like to thank the NGO LE VRAI CEP and ENVEST Togo for this initiative. The children are very interested in all the disciplines on offer. This will enable us to detect their talents and develop them for their future."
For him, this event marks a turning point in the way disabled children are perceived and integrated into activities generally beyond their reach.
Sport as a tool for social transformation
Jean Mari Attila, Executive Director of the NGO LE VRAI CEP and representative of ENVEST Togo, stressed the importance of sport in society:
"Sport plays a major role in social change and peace-building. We've noticed that children from the Ephphata school are often excluded from sports activities because they're closed as disabled. This is not fair. With this project, we want to show them that they are a full part of our world and that they are neither isolated nor forgotten."
For the NGO LE VRAI CEP and ENVEST Togo, this event is just the first step. The long-term aim is to support these children in their regular sporting activities and, why not, towards a professional career in their chosen discipline.
A promising future for hidden talents
Beyond the discovery of sports, this day opened a window on a future where social inclusion would no longer be the exception, but the norm. By offering disabled children opportunities to develop through sport, this initiative lays the foundations for a fairer, more caring world.
Lomé can be proud to have hosted such an event, which perfectly illustrates the power of sport to unite, enhance and inspire. The radiant looks on the children's faces speak volumes: they are no longer mere spectators, but full players in their own destiny.
The defender
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