The Central Eastern Council of Special & Inclusive Education (CECOSIE) Games concluded recently at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, marking a vibrant celebration of talent and sportsmanship for students with special needs. This year’s event, which ran for two days, witnessed over 750 students from ten schools competing and celebrating their achievements in various sports.
This year’s games, now in their second iteration after being revived last year post-COVID, highlighted the growing commitment to inclusivity in sports among schools dedicated to special education. Participating schools included the Fiji School of the Blind, Nausori Special Education School, Hilton Early Intervention Centre, and several others, offering an impressive array of activities such as netball, sitting volleyball, standing volleyball, boccia, soccer, table tennis, and goal ball.
Awards were presented for both performance and spirit, with Hilton Special School named Best Discipline Team and Suva Special School as Best Dressed Team. In team sports, Suva Special School achieved victory in junior netball, while Gospel School for the Deaf excelled in senior sitting volleyball.
The importance of these games extends beyond just sports; they serve as a platform to foster social skills and promote friendships among students, encouraged by the support of parents, local organizations, and the Ministry of Education. The event reinforced values of inclusion and community spirit, promising a brighter future for participants where differences are celebrated and every child’s abilities recognized.
The success of the CECOSIE Games reflects a wider trend of increasing inclusivity in sports across the region, indicating a promising path towards greater awareness and acceptance for children with disabilities. As more students join these competitions, the spirit of camaraderie, competitive joy, and inclusion continues to strengthen within the community, creating a supportive environment for all.
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