The 2017 West National Special Games for children living with disabilities in special and inclusive schools will see 900 students participating at Lautoka’s Churchill Park today.

National president for the Fiji Council of Special and Inclusive Education officer Maria Tukana said 19 West schools have confirmed their participation.

“This is an annual event and we plan to encourage and empower our children with special needs,” Ms Tukana said.

The two-day sporting event which concludes tomorrow was launched yesterday with the theme ‘Believing in our Stars’.

“We have organised this event and I would like to thank the teachers from the different schools who have helped us,” she said.

The athletes would be participating in three categories depending on their disabilities: Paralympics, Specialolympics and Deaflympics.

“Like other national events there is an inclusion of those who are 18- years-old,” Ms Tukana said.

The games start at 8am today and ends at 4pm. Tomorrow’s programme starts at 8am and finishes at 3pm.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Feedback:  kathrin.krishna@fijisun.com.fj