Look At My Ability Theme For North

Look at our ability and not our disability. This was the slogan repeatedly highlighted by chief guest Ambika Raj during the Northcose sports competition at Labasa School for Special Education in Labasa yesterday. Mr Raj, who is the former headteacher of the Labasa School for Special Education, said the theme of the Northcose was ‘my ability counts’. “God created humans in such a way that he gave the ability to every individual to do something,” Mr Raj said. “Therefore, we should not judge students with disability.

“Instead, look at their ability and encourage them by saying that the sky is the limit. “Look at our Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Iliesa Delana. “He is a living testimony and a good example for all of us.” Northcose president Teang Aisea said four schools from Labasa and three schools from Savusavu participated in this one-day competition. The schools were Kama District School, Labasa Primary, Saint Mary’s Primary School, Holy Family Primary School, Kasavu Primary School, Savusavu Special School and Labasa School for Special Education. “This year we had the inclusion of schools from mainstream participating in the inclusive games,” Ms Aisea said. “The aim of Northcose is to promote equity in sports and create exposure for students, also to create awareness to the public that students with disability exists and they should be given the opportunity to purse whatever they want.” She thanked McDonald’s for being the major sponsor and she also thanked Goodman Fielder for providing refreshment. Meanwhile, Maraia Taylor, a student of Savusavu Special School said she was excited to meet new students and play different games. “I am very thankful to my mum for bringing me from Savusavu to Labasa to participate in the Northcose,” the 12-year-old said. Maraia is a student suffering with Down syndrome. The Fiji Sun saw her dancing with the students and playing a bullseye game. Edited by Jonathan Bryce