Western Visayas captures Palaro special games crown

LINGAYEN -- Western Visayas, composed of 33 differently-abled athletes, won the over-all crown in the Palarong Pambansa 2012 Special Games held in Pangasinan.

Ilocos Region, last year's overall champion, finished as first runner-up this time, while Davao Region is second runner-up.

The other participating regions are Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and National Capital Region.

Dr. Dominica Parcia, Western Visayas Supervisor for Special Education, said her team is lucky to have very supportive officials from the different local government units in the region.

PANGASINAN. Western Visayas SPED athletes ruled the Palarong Pambansa 2012 Special Games relegating last year's over-all champion, Ilocos Region, to first runner-up. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre)

"We owe most from Regional Director Mildred Garay, the stakeholders, teachers, parents and everyone and everybody who made these special athletes ready for the competition," she said.
 
"It is really more challenging to handle and coach these children.  But with the dedication and passion of our coaches, and all the stakeholders, nothing is impossible. There are a lot of parents who came with the delegation just to be with these children specially that these children need special attention," she added.
 
Participating athletes in the Palarong Pambansa Special Games are Special Education students enrolled in different schools all over the country.
 
These children are mentally challenged (gifted, talented, autistic), physically challenged, hearing impaired and visually impaired. (Sunnex)