800 students with special needs from six special schools around the country and one inclusive school are excited to be participating in the 2 day WESTCOSIE Games at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
While officiating at the opening ceremony, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa thanked the sponsors by highlighting that it is encouraging to see that government is not alone in making life better and creating opportunities for all Fijians alike.
Vuniwaqa says that the aim of organizing the sports and fun day annually is to; create awareness to the community in regards to the existence of special and inclusive schools; to advocate for abilities in disabilities for children with special needs, to develop, assess and monitor student's daily living skills and to provide opportunities for children to travel and enjoy themselves in a different environment away from home.
She has stressed that government is committed to improving the lives of persons living with disabilities has shown through the budgetary allocations made towards the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons and disability related NGOs through my Ministry and direct funding towards the Frank Hilton Organization.
The Minister for Women and Children says that it is impossible to rid of the social stigma that very often accompanies disabilities adding that heightened awareness will mean an increased need for combined contribution to a worthy cause such as today's event.
Vuniwaqa says that it will mean better treatment of children and adults living with disabilities at home and in public spheres.
