More than 750 students filled the FMF Gymnasium in Suva yesterday for the first day of the Central Eastern Council of Special & Inclusive Education (CECOSIE) Games.
The students are part of eight schools catering for students with special needs and two other co-educational schools that are inclusive of these students as well in the Central and Eastern Division.
Sporting activities for the students to engage in competitively included standing volleyball, sitting volleyball, seven-set soccer, netball, goalball and table tennis.
CECOSIE President and Nausori Special Education School head, Deepak Sanjay Singh, shared the event was held after its revival last year from a hiatus taken prior due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Prior to COVID, we have been meeting regularly every year for the regional games as well as the national games but after COVID, there was a full stop to all such tournaments,” Singh said.
He added the games helped bring together students from their respective schools as a way of building up their character and give them a chance to engage with other students.
“They are able to socialize with their peers from other schools. They are able to make new friends and through this meet, many of the children are able to explore the hidden potential, the hidden talents they have within themselves.”
There was also a vast turnout from parents and guardians and their appearance did not go unnoticed by Singh, as he credited them for lending their support which he described as overwhelming.
“We are very much appreciative of them that they are able to give a green light for the child to be part of the activity,” he said.
He also thanked the Ministry of Education, management and heads of schools for their support to the cause as well.
The competition ends today.