A day out for children with special needs
The children with special needs surprised everyone with their determination and various skills at the Sadaa Sports Complex yesterday during an event organised by the Al Amal Association. The event was rather an eye opener for the visitors. It was around 8.30 am in the morning and a motley group of children were learning while playing various games ranging from football, swimming, volleyball, basketball to many other funny games.
A total of 200 specially abled children from different wilayats of Dhofar Governorate took part in the event in which games like lawn tennis, table tennis and races in different segments were also included. Dressed in different coloured track suits the children had gathered from Al Wafa centres spread over many places in Dhofar.
“The event was meant for the children in the age group of six to nine, 10 to 13 and 14 to 18. The attendance at the event was very high as many parents chose to come for the event along with their friends and relatives,” said Hiba Ali, programme co-ordinator.
She expressed gratitude for the support received by several private and public organisations to make the special event successful. “I am really thankful to Raysut Cement company for offering moral and technical support for the event, as events of this magnitude are not possible without the participation of like minded organisations and people,” she said.
Many other establishments like Oman LNG, A’Saffa, Salalah Methanol, A’Safwah, Al Kauther, Dhofar University, Dhofar Power Company and Eye Max extended valuable support to make the event successful under their corporate social responsibility.
“A health camp for the participating children was also organised on the sidelines of the event with support from the doctors of Sultan Qaboos Hospital. This was aimed at giving the children and their parents an understanding about their health status. The doctors also gave them valuable tips to keep them engaged mentally and physically,” said Naif Ahmed Said al Shanfari, Chairman of Al Amal Association in Salalah.
A special child’s father, who did not want to be named said: “I got to know that our child has autistic disorder a year-and-a-half after his birth. It was hard to believe that your child, who was developing normally, is suddenly regressing. Like every parent, we were also in denial initially. Very soon, I and my wife came to terms and did a research. We came to know about the Association and put him here. We can notice his progress and thank the organisation for such an initiative. Suddenly you realise that there is someone who cares.”
Autistic disorder (also called autism, more recently described as ‘mindblindedness’) is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of a child’s life. A child with autism appears to live in his/her own world, showing little interest in others and a lack of social awareness. The focus of an autistic child is a consistent routine and includes an interest in repeating odd and peculiar behaviours. Autistic children often have problems in communication, avoid eye contact, and show limited attachment to others.
The event would conclude on Wednesday amid distribution of certificates and prizes to the successful participants, physical education instructors and event supporters.