Minglanilla hosted a mini Olympics for children with special needs as part of the Kabanhawan Festival at Lipata Central School in Minglanilla City.
The participants were learners in both elementary and secondary levels in Lipata Central School (SPED Center).
The children were grouped according to disabilities namely, the Autism (A), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Down Syndrome (SD) Mentally Challenged (MC), Hearing Impaired (HI), and Visually Impaired (VI).
Accordingly, the organizers tailored the competition to the special needs of the children, with contests in the 100-meter dash, 50-meter walkathon and long jump.
Renato Tano and Elena Geonzon topped the HI category in elementary level of 100-meter dash. The other winners were Maurich Curacha in the MC category, Jessiery Abatayo in the DS category, Trestan Lamoste in the Autism category and Liezel the VI category.
Pupils with in the MC and CP categories participated in the second event that Giovanni Abellanosa ruled.
In the third event, both HI and MC categories in the elementary and secondary levels competed. Renato Tano and Maryjoy Aranas were winners in the HI category and Lester Curacha and Jovelyn Ybas in the MC category.
“The activity made us aware of the need for special education not only in Minglanilla but also in other places. Moreover, it conveyed a special message to children with special needs: that we love, accept and support them,” said Georgina Paragas, of Lipata Central School. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil