A total of 580 students participated in the Central Eastern Council of Special and Inclusive Educators Games, which took place at FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday.
The two-day event featured participation from eight special schools and two inclusive schools, with competitions in sports including soccer, netball, table tennis, sitting volleyball, and standing volleyball.
Deepak Sanjay Singh, President of CECSIE, emphasized the significance of expanding opportunities for children with disabilities to engage in sports, aiming to discover talented individuals who could represent the nation.
“The competitive nature of the games thrilled the children, encouraging them to work towards victory and the opportunity to win trophies,” Singh stated.
He added, “Such events also allow sporting organizations to pinpoint young athletes who could potentially represent our country in various sports.”
The 2020 regional games and similar initiatives strive to raise community awareness about the rightful place of children with special needs in society.
“The goal is to promote inclusivity and acceptance, providing these children with a platform to display their talents and develop their social skills beyond their usual environments,” Singh noted.
Furthermore, interaction with peers from inclusive schools like Arya Samaj Primary School and Ratu Latianara Primary School fosters awareness and highlights the capabilities and joy that these children embody.