According to Ceesay, they deserve equal treatment and support like other citizens.
He added that Persons with Disabilities are faced with several forms of discrimination such as employment opportunities, aaccessibility in society, aaccess to information, marriage, public life, education, full participation and equalisation, sign language interpreter service for the deaf and sports.
He stated that they recently engaged stakeholders for financial support to meet their D2.8 million budget for their participation in the 11th Edition of the West African Deaf Cchampionship which was held in August 2023 in Ivory Coast but to no avail.
He stated that following their failed attempt to participate in the West Africa Deaf Cchampionship, they expressed their interest to participate in the 4th Edition of the World Deaf Football Cchampionship to be held in Malaysia.
He further stated that the budget is six million, seventy-eight thousand nine hundred dalasis including aaccommodation for the team, feeding, transportation and other expenses but are yet to receive any positive news.
“Gambians should consider the Deaf National Team,” he stated. ‘‘We should be treated like others.”
‘‘The Deaf Scorpions like our Scorpions proved that they are ready to raise our flag high and secure its place among the top five African nations qualified for the 4th World Deaf Football Championship in Malaysia,” he said.
The World Deaf Cchampionship is set to commence in two weeks and Ceesay said they still need support.
“This has always been the case for us. We literally beg for support to compete. What have we done wrong that we are not recognised and prioritised? As a nation why can’t we stop what seems as discrimination?,” he questioned.
Ceesay called on The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), National Sports Council (NYC), Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and National Assembly Members not to marginalise or neglect the Deaf Scorpions.
He also called on government bodies and well-wishers to support them and also make them feel valued.
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