For JIKFI executive director Kenneth Raymund King and DSAPI president Cecile Urbina, the success of the basketball clinic continues to inspire their respective organizations’ advocacy to cultivate the treasure found in each special child. /CONTRIBUTED
THE Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines – Cebu Chapter (DSAPI) and the Juanito I. King Foundation Inc. (JIKFI), in collaboration with the University of Cebu Webmasters basketball team once again conducted its annual basketball clinic for children with Down Syndrome and their siblings.
Every summer, parents are eager to enroll their children in summer classes such as dance lessons, swimming, karate or basketball. However, for children with Down Syndrome and others with special needs, the opportunities are quite limited.
Seeing the value of fulfilling the inherent right of the child in the activity, Barangay San Roque took the opportunity to support the activity by offering the use of their gym.
The basketball clinic commenced last May 20 with thirteen participants, composed of children with Down Syndrome, their siblings, cousins and friends. It allowed them to bond and interact using play as the common language.
It is an experience where each one learned from the other. The coaches and varsity players of UC Webmasters learned humility and an appreciation for patience and its rewards; the special children learned to play in an environment of acceptance; and normal children learned to respect the special kids and understand that they are no different from them.