Sunday, October 12, 2008 Province holds 'Abilympics' for PWDs
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Around 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) once again proved that they could be sportsmen, singers and artists as they trooped to the annual Ability Olympics (Abilympics) in a mall here over the weekend.
The activity was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO) and the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in cooperation with the Quota International of Pampanga and the Rotary Club of Central Pampanga.
According to PSWDO officer Lucia Gutierrez, the event, with the theme "Kapansana'y Di Hadlang: Kakayahan Dapat Malinang at Gawing Kapakipakinabang," focused on empowering PWDS through competitive sporting activities and events that can make them feel "valuable and useful."
Gutierrez said that despite their handicap, PWDs excel in various fields and skills make them potential contributors of development.
"The program is in line with the Magna Carta for People with Disabilities that requires that local government units come out with programs and events for PWDs," she said.
Empowerment of PWDs could be achieved through providing other opportunities like employment and learning possibilities, according to Gutierrez. Sports, she said, should not be an exemption.
During the activity, PWDs competed in specific ability skills like flower arrangement, singing, poster making and other physical games.
Ma. Elena Gomez, Pampanga president of the PWDs, said this year's competitions have seen more participation from PWDs particularly those from northern Pampanga.
Gutierrez also said the Provincial Government has allotted around P3 million in budget for various programs and activities of PWDs. Tesda, she said, is now doing programs for PWD skills empowerment and such plans would be implemented in the coming months.
But Gutierrez lamented that most PWDs could not participate in most activities because of poverty and could not afford even the fare to events venue like the Abilympics each year.
During the event, Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, who was guest of honor, gave travel allowances to all the PWD participants.
Governor Eddie Panlilio, who was also a guest during the event, congratulated the winners in the events and facilitated the distribution of wheelchairs to amputees and persons with leg disabilities. (IOF)
