Everyone a Winner @ 10th Annual Special Needs Games
The crowd was small, but the beaming smiles on all the participants more than made up for a lack of public support as the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture, addressed the special needs children. “Society is judged by the way it treats its citizens and today that judgment will be great!” he said.
Events such as the 100m Dash, won in fine style by Shemay Manning, the 50m Dash, which saw Terrell Harrigan lead home the pack and the Counting game, won by Kadeem Smith ahead of Tashim Lloyd punctuated the early action under a searing sun.
Manning would eventually go on to lift the Athlete of the Day Award, bagging prizes provided by Digicel, following further wins in the Counting Race and Bean Bag Race. In second overall was Harrigan and third Zavion Adams.
Tasha Ives took first place in the 50m Walk, with such enthusiasm that it almost became a “run”, Travis Smith also won a Counting Race, Quinton Mills won another Counting Race and Tanya Bobb kept a steady hand in taking first place in the Lime and Spoon, but each and every special needs child can hold their head up high and lay claim to being a winner on the day, when just being able to showcase their talent was reward enough.
Tortola Lion's Club President, Hesketh Newton commented, “I am very very pleased with the way the day turned out and I’m sure it will prove very memorable for all the Parents, Children and Volunteers.”
Mr. Newton also pointed to a couple of events which had stood out. “The Lime and Spoon was quite competitive and then the Relay’s were excellent. The Counting Races were testament to the Special Needs Children’s abilities as they had to not only count various pieces, but also then run off with them.”
Before the day was done the Governor, His Excellency, John S. Duncan, OBE, presented the various medals to each participant and also noted how pleased he was to be involved in such an occasion as the Special Needs Games. “It has been a great day and I commend the Lions Club for organizing the event. Taking part is as important as winning,” the Governor commented.
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