At least 100 Persons with Down Syndrome and their families participated in a recent “Special Olympics” hosted by Taguig City at Lakeshore Hall and Mercado del Lago in Barangay Lower Bicutan.
The activity was held Wednesday last week, March 20, to raise awareness and promote a culture of inclusion for individuals with Down Syndrome, a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.
The Persons with Disabilities Office (PDAO), Taguig Yakap Center for Children with Disabilities, and Taguig Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit (TPRMU) organized the event.
Mayor Laarni Cayetano expressed her commitment to improving programs for people with disabilities in Taguig City and emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing their abilities and talents.
“It is important to me to see that many are supporting our initiative to notice and recognize the abilities, skills, and talents of our persons with disabilities, particularly those who have down syndrome,” Cayetano was quoted saying mostly in Filipino in a recent Facebook post.
Participants enjoyed various activities such as obstacle course, walk relay, badminton, basketball, and a Jiu-Jitsu exhibition.
The event also featured a sparring session between professional boxer and vlogger, Bryan Tamayo, and TPMRU Rehabilitation Medicine Dr. Nathaniel Napa.
Winners received medals and gift certificates. All participants also took home gift certificates and bags containing a coloring book, a water tumbler, a stress ball, and wooden stacking blocks.
The city government of Taguig ensured the safety of all participants by providing medical check-ups, X-rays, ECG (electrocardiogram), and two days of conditioning training before the event.
The event was a success in promoting the abilities and talents of individuals with Down Syndrome and raising awareness for their inclusion in society.