MORE than 100 special athletes from 13 public schools in Cebu City displayed their athletic prowess in the 2019 Sped Olympics on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Some 110 special children participated in the one-day sporting event hosted by the Quota International of Metro Cebu (QIMC). They competed in various events like the 100-meter run, 200m, 400m, 800m, 4x100m, 4x400m, shot put, running long jump, standing long jump, bocce and goal ball.
“Everything went on smoothly. The kids were very excited to perform on their designated games. We were touched by the experience, seeing the enthusiastic kids,” said QIMC president Cheryl Arnan.
Arnan said the they will hold the event again next year after the resounding success of the inaugural meet of their Sped Olympics.
“It’s not only motivating but also inspiring to see the children here. The kids really gave their all and I think they’re also eager to develop their skills and to prove that despite their disability, they can do sports,” she said.
The kids were trained by Cebu’s renowned coach John Philip Dueñas together with the Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Mary Joy Tabal. The tournament served as a culminating activity for their three-month long training.
“The race was the children’s final assessment after three months of basic training. For the athletes will potential, we are planning to elevate their training,” said Duenas.
The Zapatera Sped Center bagged the overall crown after racking up 24 gold medals, 16 silvers and nine bronzes.
The Bulacao Community School Sped Center finished second overall with 10 gold medals, 10 silver medals and nine bronze followed by the Pardo Elementary School SPED Center with five gold medals, four silvers and five bronzes.
“With God’s grace, we are planning to do this event again in 2020. We’re looking for a bigger 2020 Sped Olympics,” said Arnan.
The top three athletes in every event received a medal and a pair of shoes from the sponsor sneaker brand.
QIMC, which was founded in 2017, will host next the regional meetings in April next year.
The QIMS is under Region 19 of Quota International Inc., the world’s oldest women’s organization established in New York in 1919. (RSC)