THE SIXTH ABILITY Games, an annual sporting event which provides Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) the opportunity to maximize their capabilities in different sports activities, was recently hosted by Volunteer PWD, an association dedicated to organizing activities that raise consciousness on the world of PWDs.
Held in partnership with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Center for Sports Development (CSD), at the College’s Gymnasium of the Taft Campus, participants displayed their sporting skills and talents in chess, table tennis, badminton and even dance.
The Volunteer PWD was established in 2013 by its founder Eva Parreño, who has been closely working with CSD to support and raise awareness for persons with different disabilities and abilities.
“It’s my vision to see PWDs become well accepted and be included as members of society who are productive, professional, independent, responsible, and empowered,” Ms. Parreño explained.
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Information, Education and Communication Division Chief Rizalio R. Sanchez imparted encouragement and inspiration for the PWDs to overcome their limitations.
“It is overwhelming to know that there are such activities that would really help PWDs to showcase their special skills and talents,” Mr. Sanchez clarified.
“We are glad to hold this fun-filled sports activity for six consecutive years to enhance the social awareness of the public. Benilde as an inclusive institution, values PWD individuals regardless of learning difficulties or disability who are subject to constraints and assist them overcome their limitations,” DLS-CSB CSD Operation and Support Services head Leonard Babiera noted.
Lloyd Escoses, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 94 Coach of the Year for Women’s Badminton, together with the Blazing Shuttlers, trained the competitors with the basic stance, serving, and gripping techniques of badminton.
Meanwhile, Coach Jesusa Tayag and the Blazing Paddlers demonstrated the fundamentals like holding the paddle, the proper serve, and the scoring and rules of table tennis.
Members of the Benilde Pep Squad taught children with autism from ages 8 to 13 lively dance steps accompanied by popular K-Pop songs such as Blackpink’s “Kill This Love” and Momolamd’s “Baam,” which they performed.
Among the attendees were from the DLS-CSB’s Saint Brother Jaime Hilario Institute (SBJHI) and the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS), Autism Society of the Philippines of Manila, Pasay and Cavite Chapter, Amputee for Life (AMP4life), and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI).
They were joined by Las Piñas PWD Federation, Our Lady of the Airways Parish, AccessiWheels, Cerebral Palsy Warriors Philippines, Philippine International Network for Accessible Tourism, Inc. (PINATI) Malanday, Marikina City, Persons With Different Abilities-PWDA of Bambang, Taguig City, and Grain Foundation for PWD Inc.
