Promoting inclusion through sports on IDPD

KUCHING: To encourage positive attitudes and social acceptance of children with disabilities, Unicef together with the Sarawak Social Welfare Department and Para Bowling Association Sarawak ( PTBPNS) recently organised a bowl ing tournament cum exhibition at Megalanes Sarawak, E-Mart Batu Kawa on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities ( IDPD).

The event aimed to promote the rights and wel l- being of persons with disabi lities in alignment with the global theme of ‘ Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all’.

A recent study commissioned by Unicef revealed that knowledge about disability is low and that children with disabilities, their parents, and family face real stigma and discrimination at home, in schools, and other environments in Malaysia.

The tournament brought together para bowlers and social bowlers in friendly competition for prizes divided in a few categories.

In addition to the games, some 20 organisations including Society for the Deaf, Dyslexia Association Sarawak, Kuching Autistic Association, Perkata Special Schools, Kuching Methodist Care Centre, Sarawak Mental Health Association, House of Joy and Community Based Rehabilitation Centres in Kuching, Mambong, Samarahan and Petra Jaya participated in the exhibition.

Highlights included sign language class, sand arts, colouring competition, postcards posting and pop- up market featuring items made by people with disabilities.

Unicef ’ s # THISABILITY campaign seeks to raise awareness on the issues faced by children with disabilities which become a barrier to achieving a more inclusive society for all.