Sportsfest for special athletes set March 10

CEBU, Philippines - The organizers of the 2nd World Special Games are expecting over a thousand participants in this year's edition of the annual event set on March 10 at the Aznar Coliseum.

World Special Games founder and organizer Al Salomon said with their tie-up with the Department of Education (DepEd)-7 under the leadership of regional director Recaredo Borgonia, they could maximize the number of entries.

“We're expecting a huge number of participants from the Department of Education because Dr. Borgonia has already relayed the said event to all schools in the province as well as the private institutions, ” said Salomon in a press conference yesterday at Handuraw Pizza in Brgy. Lahug, this city.

Special athletes from Siquijor, Bohol and Negros will also be coming over to take part in the one-of-a-kind competition.

Only individuals with autism, down syndrome and those who are mentally challenged were allowed to join last year, but this time, Salomon said they also cater to those with cerebral palsy, wheel-chaired, dwarfism and the visually and hearing impaired.

“I know the needs of these special children. Like normal people, they also need sporting activities like this for recreation. This will also help them in their holistic development,” Salomon said.

Among the events that will be contested include athletics, arnis, badminton, basketball, bowling, boxing, chess, handball, hockey, scrabble, soccer, swimming, table tennis, volleyball and wall climbing among others.  (FREEMAN)