Province observes 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week

Lingayen - -The Provincial Government thru Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in partnership with Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities staged the first-ever Provincial Paralympics in line with the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPRW).

This year’s celebration held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here last July 22 carries the theme “SA ISTRUKTURANG ACCESSIBLE, LAHAT AY ABLE.”

Some 500 participants with disabilities from all districts of Pangasinan including Dagupan City trooped to Lingayen to participate in the Paralympics.

The Paralympics consisted of different events and categories.

For children’s category below 14 years old, they played for the 100-meter dash, 400-meter relay and 200-meter wheelchair bound accompanied by their parents.

For youth and adult, 15 to 59 years old, the events were 100-meter dash run, 400-meter relay Men and Women Division, Javelin throw, discus throw, shot put, chess, badminton, table tennis and basketball.

The NDRPW aimed to stimulate public awareness on disability problems and concerns particularly issues on disability prevention, rehabilitation and equalization of opportunities for person with disabilities (PWDs).

David Bulario, president of Federation of PWDs of Pangasinan, thanked Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and 4th District Board Member Mojamito R. Libunao, Jr. for their continuing support to the disabled.

“Gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mahal na governor na si Amado T. Espino, Jr. para sa kanyang patuloy na adhikain para maiangat ang mga taong may kapansanan,” Bulario added.

According to Nhur Gavina of Breaking Barriers for Young Adults with Disabilities, aside from harnessing their skills and potentials, the event will also help the disabled gain confidence, self-esteem, camaraderie and sportsmanship.

“Meron kasing mga ginaganap na mga National Special Olympics, gusto nating makakita ng mga may potential na pwedeng ilaban nationally, and hopefully from that national magkaroon tayo ng panlaban sa mga international competitions na special Olympics, pinapangarap namin yun”, he added. (PIO/ Darwin Magalong)