Approximately 1,500 persons with disabilities (PWDs) participated in the 7th Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled(PHILSPADA) held at the Malolos Sport Complex in Malolos Bulacan in May 2019. DSWD Field Office 1 – AVRC I clients John Michael Saure and Noel Taylan, both with orthopedic disabilities, bagged three gold medals on shot put, javelin throw and discus throw, and two medals, a gold medal for shot put and bronze medal for powerlifting, respectively.
Delegates drom AVRC I proudly march during the official opening of the 7th PSC – PHILSPADA.
The activity was participated in by different centers and organizations catering PWDs nationwide led by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Health.
The event is aligned with Republic Act No. 7277, wherein stated that there should be an equal opportunity for PWDs in the field of sports. AVRC I strongly advocates the rights and privileges of PWDs, hence, its annual participation to PHILSPADA.
Meanwhile, AVRC I delegates expressed their deepest gratitude for allowing them to join the said activity. They said, “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa suportang ibinigay ng AVRC I sa amin na kahit limitado ang oras para sa practice ay ginabayan pa rin kami at sinuportahan.(We are very thankful for the support that AVRC 1 has given to us. Despite the limited time for practice, they still guided and supported us.)”
John Michael Saure receives his gold medal for leading the discus throw competition.
PHILSPADA is an opportunity for all the PWDs to showcase their talents and skills through sports and a way to develop camaraderie among others. The ten-day event also served as an extraordinary occasion for the PWDs to socialize, widen their networks, and boost their self-esteem.
AVRC I is an institution of DSWD Field Office 1 that develop and implement comprehensive social and vocational rehabilitation for the empowerment of PWDs. #By: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Social Marketing Unit with reports from AVRC I
