Big Fix introduces Dogs Sports day to help GBV and Ex-LRA survivors cope with their traumatic experiences

By Tolit Ivan

Big Fix Uganda, has started working towards promoting dog health in Northern Uganda, as a game to unite by bringing together traumatized people affected by the LRA Kony war in the region.

Big Fix Uganda   introduced and launched  on Tuesday this week a dog’s sport day to help Gender based violence survivors and Ex-Lord Resistance Army survivors cope with their traumatic experiences.

The nongovernmental organization is supporting 63 GBV and EX-LRA survivors to heal through trauma.

The sports day which will be conducted annually on the 24th of January will  involves 17 different categories of competitions that the survivors participate in with their therapy dogs given to them.

The games include the most beautiful dog, best walking dog with guardian with no leash ,,dog calling contest, best trick ,best down and stay dog ,most friendliest dog ,best groomed dog  and best shaking hand dog among others.

Speaking during the Launch of the Dogs Sports day at the Big Fix Headquarters in Pece-Acoyo in Pece-Laroo Division Gulu City.

Sarah Schmidt, the President of the Big Fix Uganda said through these dog sports they want to encourage the dog guardians to interact with their comfort dogs because science tells us that when you have a strong bond with animals like a dog it contributes greatly to our emotional health and wellbeing.

She said all the participants in their program have suffered  a lot from trauma that came as a result of the two decades of war in the region and rising cases of domestic violence therefore  working with these dogs will help the victims develop strong bonds that will make them overcome the trauma and depression.

Schmidt said engaging human being in dog games will help them a lot and through this they will  be able save many from committing suicide and living in difficult life.

Francis Okello Oloya, the Manager of the Comfort Dog Project,  said that this game is going to help guardians cope with their traumatic experience and give them hope that regardless of whatever happens there is something to live for.

He said this sport gives them the opportunity to actively participate and make them happy as well as do exercise since the dogs make them run and playful.