Special Olympics PNG

The date was 27th September 2012, the date Special Olympics Papua New Guinea (SOPNG) was born.

“Rosa was our first registered athlete and in the following year, February 2013, Rosa represented Papua New Guinea at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea,” said SOPNG.

President of Special Olympics PNG, Takale Tuna, thanked the firm for stepping in with this much-needed assistance as they have been stretching their limited resources to carry out their programs.

He said since its inception in 2012, the organisation has been conducting six programs where team members use their own resources to reach the wider community.

The ‘divisioning round’ for the Unified Football Competition, under Special Olympics PNG, was hosted at the Sir John Ignatius Kilage stadium.

As per its name, the unified competition involves children with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and able-bodied children.

President of Special Olympics PNG, Takale Tuna, says they are using sports as a tool to integrate those with intellectual disabilities into society.

“That’s basically what this event is all about. It has been going on for about three years.”

Pool A:

1) Vabukori, 2) Sogeri, 3) Gabagaba, 4) Wardstrip Primary

Pool B:

1) Hanuabada, 2) Sacred Heart Primary, 3) Callan Gerehu, 4) Vabukori

Unified Football Program Coordinator, Willie Vaira, said the finals will be played next weekend on Saturday the 28^th at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

The finals draw for Pool A:

Game 1: Vabukori vs Wardstrip

Games 2: Sogeri vs Gabagaba

In Pool B:

Game 1: Hanuabada vs Vabukori

Game 2: Sacred Heart vs Callan

GHD is celebrated on October 15 every year however, SOPNG chose to have the kids commemorate the Day during its unified football finals today.

The Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.

It is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Today’s activity was hosted by Water Aid.