MORE than 1000 differently abled persons participated in the 21st Special Children's Fun Day hosted by PowerGen yesterday.

The event took place at the PowerGen Penal Sports Grounds Syne
Village in Penal.

Participants from 36 schools, including three from Barbados and three from Tobago took part in the many activities planned for the day.

SuperBlue's winning road march song " Fantastic Friday" was the chosen song to be played for the march past, along with live music from the Fire Services Band. One school even paid tribute to the Soca Monarch king with their mascot Keemo Weekes representing the soca artiste.

Schools used the opportunity to highlight issues in the country, such as child abuse and politics.
Marlene Coudray, Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development was present for the formal part of the sports day but left early because of a meeting in Parliament.

The event was chaired by Chairman of the Siparia Regional Corporation Leo Doodnath. PowerGen's General Manager Fitzroy Harewood gave opening remarks.

He said, " Sport provides tremendous benefits for children with special needs.Sporting activities can considerably improve the lifestyle of a child with a disability.

The physical activity along with support, rewards and interaction can have a positive effect on the self-esteem of our special children and their families."

Lloyd Springer who spoke on behalf of the Bajan teams said they were grateful to be in Trinidad for such an event and they hoped other countries would join in the celebrations.

President of the Paralympic Committee Kenneth McKell said the fun day was a main event other than the annual Special Olympics and he hoped other companies would follow PowerGen's example and host similar events.

Many persons who were taking part in the event for the first time said they were happy that they did. The parents of some of the children all said , they and the children were enjoying themselves.

One 11-year-old child from Princess Elizabeth Special School said, " I like being here. I am very happy." And gifts of windballs, netballs and skipping ropes were given to child.