Disability Sport Network (DiSNet)

DiSNet is a result of previous CISU-funded interventions that aimed at preparing for the establishment of a national civil society organization working with disability sports in Sierra Leone. This has been done firstly, by strengthening the network among four amputee football teams located in the four biggest cities of Sierra Leone. This was followed by a national mapping of CSOs working in the field of disabilities, establishing contacts and investigating the opportunities of creating this new organization together with the aim of using sport to create better life circumstances for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD). Over 30 meetings and workshops in Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Makeni with more than 35 different CSOs working with disability matters has built the foundation for DiSNet. Numerous organizations and persons have been invited for these meetings and workshops to ensure the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders. In January 2023 a 3-day founding general assembly was hosted in Bo with representatives from 20 organizations from all over Sierra Leone. The constitutions and policies of DiSNet was voted upon and agreed to, 5 persons were elected for the local management of each of the 4 regional chapters and 3 persons at the national executive body of DiSNet. The aim of DiSNet from its constitutions is: 1. To promote and develop disabled sports in Sierra Leone and assist in the arrangement of matches and social activities for its members. The Disabilities Sports Network hereinafter referred to as The Network shall be affiliated with the SLFA Sierra Leone Football Association, Ministry of Sports and registered with the NSA National Sports Authority. 2. To promote social and team spirit among the disabled members. 3. The Network will seek and raise funds as necessary or desirable to enable The Network to fulfill these objects. Activities for DiSNet are - Sport activities for PLWD - Advocacy work on behalf of PLWD - Empowerment activities