ELEVEN learners with special educational needs (LSENs) of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Leyte Division took center stage during the first Para Exhibition Games in the recently concluded Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (Evraa) Meet at the Leyte Sports Development Center in Tacloban City.

Jocelyn Marmita, a coach and special education (Sped) teacher from Alangalang 1 Central School, lauded the division and regional education officials for staging the event.

“It’s really another milestone achievement for our learners to be recognized in the field of sports," Marmita said.

"Leyte Division’s participation in the Evraa 2023 Para Games Exhibition proved that the division is committed to its advocacy efforts against disability prejudice and to raise awareness about Para Games, Para athletes, and different Para sports," added Maurice Dave Ansula, the president of Leyte Special Education Advocates League.

He also thanked Dr. Henrietta Managbanag, assistant schools division superintendent, for advocating the Sped program, which earned full support from Superintendent Dr. Mariza Magan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Roberto Mangaliman.

Some learners with hearing impairment from Palo 1 district also participated during the opening ceremony on April 25 by interpreting the Philippine National Anthem in sign language.

The 11 LSENs bagged gold medals in the long jump (Open Category), 100-meter run (category A Girls), and shot put (Category A Boys and Girls). (SunStar Philippines)