By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, Aug. 10 (PNA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Monday that four residents of Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) brought joy and pride to the country after excelling in their respective sports and bagging bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Games held in Los Angeles, California from July 25 to Aug. 2, 2015.
EGV, a residential care facility located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, is managed by the DSWD–National Capital Region (NCR) headed by Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan.
It provides care and rehabilitation to abandoned and neglected children with special needs and development disorders such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, visual and hearing impairment, mental retardation, autism, and other related illnesses.
DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman lauded the four children — Catherine Uy, Michael Jordan, Ryan Ilaya and Arjay Gala — for their accomplishments.
“These children should serve as inspiration for others as they have proven that through determination and confidence, children with special needs can also excel,” Secretary Soliman said.
She added that the children have shown to the world what they can do.
“These children have shown to the world what they can do. We recognize their capabilities and skills, and we will continue to support their endeavors,” the DSWD chief said.
Catherine placed fifth in bowling among competitors from eight countries; Michael bagged the bronze medal in the 400-Meter Run; while Ryan and Arjay also got bronze medals after winning over American Samoa in Unified Team, Football Side competitions.
The Special Olympics World Games aims to provide year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adult with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy.
The 2015 Games featured competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football (soccer), and many other summer sports involving 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world. (PNA)