Special Olympics International is a global institution that focuses on helping intellectually challenged individuals in developing their self-esteem and self-worth to make them productive and respected part of the society. They help build their confidence through sports by demonstrating what they can do. Athletes are grouped based on ability and levels and all of them are encouraged to join so everybody will be recognized for his/her ability and capability.
This year, Special Olympics group from Philippines and Malaysia visited Special Olympics Singapore to hold competition. The 5day-event was indeed successful. As the participants showed off what they can do, the hard work and patience of those taking care of them manifested in their performances. They showed persistence and enthusiasm on the games they are on. Taking care and teaching these bunch of special people entails a lot of patience and commitment. Kudos to all trainers, parents and volunteers!
Seeing all the participants wearing their sweetest smiles during the event was such a heart-warming scenario- true and genuine happiness! And we, the UNTV-Singapore News Team is so honored to be given the opportunity to witness and cover this event. We were so astonished to see our delegates from the Philippines winning! There were 6 events in the olympics and our team joined 3 categories: bowling, bocce, and swimming. Below is partial and unofficial list of medals won by our kids:
Bowling:
Doubles: Anton Silos and Robin Clarino, Gold
Mark Inductivo and Bryan Robles, Silver
Singles: Anton Silos - Gold
Mark Inductivo - Gold
Bryan Robles - Gold
Robin Clarino - Bronze
Joy Bautista - Bronze
Team: Mark Inductivo, Bryan Robles, Robin Clarino, Joy Bautista- Gold
Swimming:
Raymond Macasaet - 2 Golds
Christopher Gutang - 2 Golds, 1 Silver
Bocce:
Singles: Robin Conanan - Gold
Kevin Patrick Ong - Gold
Andrew Lim- Gold
Carmella Motte -Gold
Paul Jonah Bianzon- Silver
Edward James Cabarles - 5th Place
Doubles:Kevin Patrick Ong and Carmela Morfe - Gold
Mylene Garcia and Bernadette Lim- Gold
Andrew Lim and Paul Jonah Bianzon - Silver
Andrew Conanan and Edward James Cabarles- Bronze
On overall account, bagging 6 golds, 2 silvers and 1 bronze medals after the tournament is not really bad at all for the whole Philippine delegation.
Among all the games, BOCCE is the only game that is never heard to me. But then again, I consulted Mr. Google and according to him, it is an Italian game similar to lawn bowling. How is it played? Click here. Philippines' Bocce players showed a tremendous performance all throughout the game. The Bocce Head Coach, Mr. Christian Dorion and the SO-Philippines Head Mr. Rodolfo Ungson were so thankful to Kuya Daniel Razon for sponsoring the whole Bocce Team's uniforms and air ticket. Without his support, their participation was not possible.
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John 9:2-3 - And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
Being able to mingle with these special people was a very heartwarming experience. They converse like normals do. What I love most was hearing them tell their achievements, their disappointments, their aspirations and dreams and their appreciation of life. This experience made me more grateful and thankful to God for what I am and what I have.
