Wednesday November 21st, Castries, Saint Lucia.
In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an initiative to celebrate the diversity of Saint Lucia’s special needs community and the ability to thrive in spite of challenges was last week spearheaded by Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education Human Resource Management & Labour’s Special Education Unit and its special schools sports committee as part of a renewed physical activity drive to raise awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual and physical challenges.
Smile Fest Soccerrama
The Smile Festival of Fun campaign was supported by primary sponsor Digicel and partner Diamond International, through its Caring Connections programme in association with NGO, the Sacred Sports Foundation.
Smile Fest Wheel
Master of Ceremonies during the launch on Tuesday, November 20th was Nikki Edmonds a receptionist at the St Lucia Blind Welfare Association-AKA soca artist Ally Cat. Being visually impaired, Nikki has had to overcome her own challenges and as always, performed superbly on the day.
Smile Fest Crowd
More than 400 kids, teachers and parents from around Saint Lucia attended and took part in the festivities which took place at the Beausejour Stadium and included: Volleyball, Netball, Basketball, Skipping, Football Shooting, Table Tennis, Wheel Chair Racing, Blind Cricket, Soccerrama, Bouncy Castle, Creative Arts, Bocce, Face Painting, Clown, Balance and Bounce and many more.
Smile Fest Activities Indoor
“We believe in a world where there are millions of different abilities but not disabilities, says Nova Alexander ‘Executive Director of the Sacred Sports Foundation. People with intellectual and physical challenges are among the most vulnerable in Saint Lucia.
Smile Fest Outside
All too often our Caribbean brothers and sisters cling to misperceptions and stereotypes, this type of event is an opportunity for us to challenge existing attitudes and perceptions. Sport helps showcase the skills and dignity of our special schools children.
Smile Fest Table Tennis
Sport changes attitudes by bringing people together — regardless of ability or disability — in a very special way. A typical unified sports game unites people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.
Smile Fest Dunn Kids
These types of programmes open an important gateway for our participants to achieve empowerment and acceptance.
Smile Fest Bouncy Castle
We know it works, so let’s help them all play sport and enjoy our communities to the full”.
To further celebrate IDPD, an expo to help sensitise the public is scheduled to take place on November 30th in Castries.
