850 'special' athletes to take part in Palaro 2015

Some 850 athletes will take part in the Special Games category of this year's Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

 

The Department of Education said Friday the Special Games will let children with special needs show their sporting talents.

 

“Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi,” DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said.

 

Events at the Special Games include:

 

- athletics (100M, 200M, 400M, 4X100M, shot put, running and standing long jump)

- swimming (50M backstroke, breast stroke, freestyle)

- goal ball

- bocce (closely related to bowling).

 

In these games, they will "have a chance to be scouted to compete in international events," the DepEd said.

 

Notable Special Games athletes include:

 

- Merill Jean Derama, John Brian Menosa and Lizamel Dayon, who competed in the 2011 Special Olympics in Athens

- swimmers Jonalyn Hernando and Marco Tinamisan, who have no limbs.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News