I have a heart for kids with special needs.  I have some units on learning about their needs in undergraduate and graduate studies that is why I can understand a bit of their needs and behavior.  I admire families who are proud of their children with special needs because sadly, there are some families who treat their children with special needs as jinx ('malas' in Filipino).  Support groups are also there to support each other and to encourage each other whenever there are challenges around them.  There are also activities for special children to recognize their abilities and skills.  One of them is the Special Olympics.

Special Olympics is also like the regular Olympics but the athletes here are children with intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics is the leading voice in raising awareness of individuals with intellectual disabilities.  The Special Olympics is also held every four years, the last one was held last year.  To know more about the Special Olympics, you may visit their website, http://www.specialolympics.org/.

The Philippines is also participating in the Special Olympics.  Last year, the Philippine delegation was able to bring home 59 medals for the country, and as early as now, our country is preparing for the next Special Olympics.

Excitement and laughter filled the air as athletes with intellectual disabilities and their families visited booth after booth of games testing visual acuity, visual memory, depth perception, color vision and eye tracking at “Eye Can Play: A Healthy Eyeffair.” The event was sponsored by Essilor Vision Foundation, one of the philanthropic giving initiatives of Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company.

Held at SM Sucat Entertainment Hall, “Eye Can Play” specifically used an “edutainment” approach to help Special Olympics athletes, their caregivers and their families learn more about the importance of healthy vision through interactive and engaging games. After undergoing quick vision screenings with Essilor volunteers, excited participants played “Pop the Bubble”, “Twister”, “Name It Quick”, ‘Finding Nemo”, “Finding Dory”, “Catch the Marble” and “Eye Can See”.

“Twister” is one of the games during the "Eye Can Play: A Healthy Eyeffair" to help Special Olympics athletes, their caregivers and their families learn more about the importance of healthy vision

Filipino athletes with intellectual disabilities had their vision tested for vision problems during the event.  Having a good vision affects their sport scores and quality of life.