By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
JUBA - The South Sudan Association of the Visually Impaired (SSAVI) has officially handed over passports to players and technical team members of the South Sudan Blind Football Team ahead of their participation in the IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division One in Alexandria, Egypt.
The milestone comes at a crucial time for the national team, with passport processing challenges in South Sudan creating additional obstacles for athletes preparing for international competitions.
The newly issued passports represent more than just travel documents; they provide the players and officials with the opportunity to compete on the continental stage while pursuing their ambition of qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking on the development, the South Sudan Blind Football Association described the passport handover as a major step forward for the team and the growth of blind football in the country.
"This is another huge step forward for our team. These passports are not just documents; they represent opportunity, hope, and our dream of competing at the highest level. We appreciate everyone who has supported this journey and helped make this possible."
The achievement was made possible through the support of Light for the World, with funding from the adidas Foundation under the United by Sport Project, which continues to support inclusive sports development and opportunities for athletes with visual impairments.
The South Sudan Blind Football Team players celebrated the occasion by proudly holding their new passports, carrying smiles and renewed confidence as they prepare for their journey to Egypt.
The team will now shift its focus to final preparations for the IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division One, where they will aim to represent South Sudan with pride and take another important step towards their Paralympic dream.
