More than 750 students gathered at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday for the opening day of the Central Eastern Council of Special & Inclusive Education (CECOSIE) Games. The event welcomed participants from eight schools dedicated to special needs education and two inclusive schools, showcasing a range of exciting sporting activities including standing and sitting volleyball, seven-set soccer, netball, goalball, and table tennis.
Deepak Sanjay Singh, the President of CECOSIE and head of the Nausori Special Education School, noted that this year’s games marked a significant revival, having been on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Before COVID, we held annual regional and national games regularly, but those came to a halt during the pandemic,” Singh remarked. He emphasized the importance of these games in promoting character building and social interaction among students, allowing them to connect, make friends, and realize their hidden talents.
The event saw overwhelming support from parents and guardians, with Singh expressing gratitude for their involvement. “We appreciate their commitment in allowing their children to participate in such activities,” he stated. He also acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Education along with the management and heads of participating schools, recognizing their vital role in making the event a success.
Similar events in the region, including last year’s CECOSIE Games and the recently held four-day inclusive sports program in Labasa, highlight a growing commitment to fostering inclusive sports environments. These initiatives aim to promote awareness and bring children with disabilities into the spotlight, encouraging them to showcase their abilities.
The CECOSIE Games continue today, providing a vibrant platform for young athletes to shine and strengthen the values of inclusion, friendship, and community spirit in sports. As participation in these games increases, they pave the way for a more inclusive society that recognizes and celebrates diversity.
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