By Folasade Akpan
Stakeholders have called for greater societal acceptance of children with special needs during the fifth Inclusive Interschool Sports Day organised by The Engraced Ones on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event featured children from School of Grace and GraceLane Miracle (Inclusive) School, alongside other supporting institutions, promoting inclusion, dignity, and shared humanity through sports and interactive activities.
Chairman of the occasion, Chinedu Enemor, said the event encouraged society to move beyond pity toward acceptance and support for children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other challenges.
“It is about identifying with people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other challenges.
“Today is not only about winning trophies; it’s about respect, love and recognising their place in our society,” he said.
He urged parents and the public not to withdraw or isolate children with special needs.
“Let us not shy away from the responsibility of helping our children to grow,” Enemor added.
Convener of The Engraced Ones, Mrs Biboara Yinkere, said the initiative aimed to change public perception about special needs children and grow into a platform similar to global movements like the Special Olympics.
“We want society to see that these children can do more than people think,” she said, emphasising the importance of recognising their abilities and potential beyond common assumptions.
“We are working to involve more schools so that inclusion becomes the norm, not the exception,” she added.
He also highlighted the transformative power of exposure, encouragement, and early engagement for children with special needs.
Yinkere added that the activities helped children follow instructions; stay focused, and built self-awareness.
“For some of them, just following instructions or holding a ball is a huge achievement.
“One of the boys couldn’t handle anything before, but today he is holding the ball with support.
“At the sound of the whistle, they start and finish; so, they are learning to follow instructions,” she said.
Mrs Ngozi Belolisa, Executive Director of Safe Host International Initiative and Academy, said the event promoted learning through play for neurodivergent children, who often responded better to sports, dance, and physical activities than traditional classroom methods.
Belolisa said that the initiative had boosted children’s confidence while fostering empathy and teamwork among their neurotypical peers.
“We make their learning fun. That is why they relate more to sports, sounds, and body movement,” she said.
She added that many parents witnessed their children performed activities they never thought possible, urging inclusion to extend beyond schools into everyday life.
Belolisa called for more inclusive policies, infrastructure, and trained personnel.
“They need acceptance, opportunity, and an environment where they can thrive,” she said, stressing the importance of societal support for children with special needs.
Parents at the event emphasised those sentiments.
Mrs Juliana Nwoko, mother of a five-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, said, “It makes me feel a sense of belonging and I feel excited seeing my child participate.”
She added, “But we need that feeling everywhere, not just here,” highlighting the need for wider societal support and inclusion for children with special needs.
Another parent, Mrs Janet Okolo, whose 14-year-old daughter lives with Down syndrome, said the event further changed her perception of children with special needs.
“I never knew they could do the things they are doing here; so, I believe that with support, they can do amazing things,” she said.
Participants and organisers agreed that beyond competition, the sports day highlighted acceptance, inclusion, and the untapped potential of every child, with activities including sack races, relays, 50-meter dashes, egg races, and match-past events, NAN reports.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Abiemwense Moru
