Good cheer at the Digicel’s Annual Festival of Fun

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was a day of fun and excitement when the seventh edition of the Digicel’s Festival of Fun for special needs children took place recently at the Beausejour Indoor Facility. The event was well attended with a large turnout from a number of instructions including the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Dennery Child Development Centre, Special Education Centre Vieux Fort, Soufriere Special Education Rehabilitation Centre, Dunnottar School, Educare Learning Centre, St Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Autism Resource Centre and the SDA Academy.

It was a packed filled day with children taking part in several games and activities including indoor football, basketball, table tennis and volleyball. Special guests included Digicel Call Centre Manager, Coletta McDonald. During the brief opening ceremony she welcomed everyone and said. “Digicel is so excited today to be here to host the seventh Annual Digicel Festival Fun Day where we have assured that the activities of the day will bring joy and laughter to you. On Monday December 3 the world observed International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres encouraged everyone to reconfirm their commitment to working together for a better world that is inclusive where the rights of people with disabilities are fully recognized. This year’s theme issued by the United Nations Empowering Persons with Disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality has motivated our continued involvement in supporting this initiative which helps us ensure that our special needs family especially the children known that they are part of our society.”

McDonald went on to praise organizations involved in this worthwhile initiative. She especially mentioned the Sacred Sports Foundation and said: “We appreciate your efforts in ensuring that we have this avenue to participate in such an important activity which keeps us aligned with the 2013 agenda that pledges to keep no one behind.

In closing she said: “We are happy today that we can celebrating with you because of the support that we also receive from our partners – the Ministry of Education Special Education Unit and special school sports committees. On behalf of the Sacred Sports Foundation, Nova Alexander welcomed everyone and urged students to give a big shout out to the volunteers wearing purple t-shirts associated with the foundation.

After that she remarked “are you ready” which was followed a huge round of applause from everyone. With that said the seventh edition of the Digicel Festival of Fun got underway at the Beausejour Indoor Facility.