THE McDonald’s Special Schools Games started at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
With the theme “don’t dis my ability — this is me” the two-day event includes non-competitive sports with an aim that every participant is a winner.
Minister for Education Rosy Akbar, as chief guest, said Government and her ministry supported activities and programs for the development of special needs students and teachers.
Akbar thanked the teachers in the 71 inclusive special schools across the country for their passion to look after the special needs children by overcoming the challenges.
“I rather not say they are special needs children, I would rather say they are very special,” Akbar said.
“I thank the parents who are doing everything to make sure that these children are looked after in terms of their health and sending them to the nearest schools.
“A total of 2151 students are part of the system, but I believe that there are many more out there who need to tap into schools.
“I encourage parents who have such children that they reach the doorsteps of our schools and eventually we will try to graduate them into our mainstream schools.”
The McDonald’s Special Schools Games is hosted by the Western Council for Special and Inclusive Educators (WESTCOSIE).
The inaugural Western Special Schools Sports and Fun Day started in 1998 and was hosted by the Nadi Centre for Special Education.
In 2004, the Western Council for Special Educators (WESTCOSE) was established and McDonald’s took up the sponsorship for the Sports and Fun Day.
WESTCOSE is now known as WESTCOSIE with the inclusion of the inclusive schools.
Its president Kailash Pillay said they would host the FCOISE Special School’s Games at the same venue from October 22-23.
Pillay said they hoped to attract 70 schools for the national event.
