‘A normal experience’

The first-ever competition for athletes with special needs was hosted with the aim of providing disabled children with a fun-filled day with games to enjoy.The event served the purpose of giving these youngsters a chance to experience what other ‘normal children’ experience and included 60 m, 80 m,100 m and 200 m track, relay, shotput and other field items for boys and girls aged u/6 to u/12.Gail Taukeheke, a social worker for the Ministry of Health and Social Services at the Walvis Bay Child & Family Centre (popularly known as Sunshine Centre), explained that it is a school for children that are wheelchair-bound or those with physical disabilities. "Some children have visual and hearing impairments and others are intellectually impaired. We also have autistic children as well as children with cerebral palsy. This kids are always very stiff and cannot always move. In order to help these kids, one-on-one engagements are needed.”According to Taukeheke, the athletics day was especially created for children at the centre. "It is the first time ever that we are having a sports day. We wanted to create a little bit of competition, so we invited Promiseland - which is also an NGO - to bring their preschoolers to come and compete against our smaller children. We also invited another special class of older children from Immanuel Ruiters to compete against our older children.”Taukeheke highlighted that Walvis Bay Child & Family Centre’s ethos is to empower disabled children to be able to help themselves. “Our woodwork boys made the winners podium. The needlework girls sewed the cheerleader outfits themselves and also made flags for the different teams. We encourage our children to make their own stuff rather than having to buy them.”Luzelle Lestrade, the executive director of Walvis Bay Child & Family Centre, said that irrespective of the children’s inabilities or disabilities, it is important that they also participate in the same normal activities that children from other schools do. "We want to expose our children to the same activities that normal children take part in. We want to give them the same experiences and want our children to be part of the community, rather than being forgotten.”She expressed her gratitude towards sponsors that contributed to the day&#039;s success. "This event was only a trial run to see if we could pull it off, which we did. Next year&#039;s event will be bigger and better planned than this one," she promised.Johanna Benson, Walvis Bay-based Paralympic athlete, handed over the medals to the respective winners. “I am really happy to be here. I am part of Sunshine because I grew up and started my sports career here. When I received the invitation, I was competing in a South African competition. I thought I wouldn’t make it to the event, but luckily we finished early and I managed to make it here today."nikanor@erongo.com.na

‘A normal experience’

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Republikein 2025-06-17

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‘A normal experience’

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