Children showcased their skills in various sporting disciplines at Bunda Primary School in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The children’s displays were part of Malawi’s celebrations for Eunice Kennedy Shriver (ESK) Day. The day is celebrated in memory of Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics Movement. The movement advocates the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
The children played netball, football and participated in athletics as part of the celebrations. The day falls on July 20 but, in Malawi, it was celebrated on July 22. The day is celebrated in 170 countries.
Speaking during the event, Lions International District 412 Second Vice-Governor, Chisomo Gunda, said they joined the celebrations because they are one of the biggest financiers of Special Olympics across the world.
“It is important to commemorate the day because it helps to raise awareness to parents. Children with intellectual disabilities have the potential to do well in any sector, including sports,” Gunda said.
Special Olympics Malawi Board Chairperson, Leonard Nkosi, said the day helps people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted by their communities.
Special Olympics, founded in 1968, has grown to 5.3 million athletes in 170 countries.
Special Olympics deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and 108,000 games throughout the year.
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