Xi'an, January 18 (Dang Tianye, Yang Cuicui) In Xi'an in winter, the cold wind blows away the hustle and bustle of the streets, making this ancient city appear more and more peaceful. However, in a corner of the city, bursts of laughter and shouts were heard. It turned out that a special winter sports event was in full swing.
Children with intellectual disabilities from several cities in Shaanxi Province gathered in Xi'an to participate in the Games. Photo by Yu Haoyang
On the 18th, accompanied by the passionate "March of the Athletes", 48 children with intellectual disabilities from many cities in Shaanxi Province gathered in Xi'an to chase their sports dreams as athletes and participate in the Shaanxi Provincial Association of Intellectually Disabled Persons and Relatives and Friends Disability Integration Winter Fun Games.
The Games was hosted by the Shaanxi Disabled Persons' Federation and the Xi'an Disabled Persons' Federation, undertaken by the Shaanxi Provincial Association for the Intellectually Disabled and Their Relatives and Friends, and co-organized by the Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy.
At the entrance ceremony, 48 children with intellectual disabilities were divided into 4 teams, shouting slogans and entering the venue in an orderly manner. The older "special children" brought wonderful cheerleading performances to cheer for the athletes.
Song Hujie, Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Association of Intellectually Disabled Persons and Their Relatives and Friends, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, said that this competition aims to encourage "special children" to compete in style and level. Sports are used as an opportunity to shape children's will to defy difficulties, tenacious struggle, and self-reliance.
Children with intellectual disabilities (front row, first from left) participate in a shooting competition. Photo by Yu Haoyang
With the opening of the Games, the participating children first watched the performance of the disabled dryland curling team of Baqiao District, Xi'an, and experienced the fun of dryland curling. Subsequently, under the guidance of the team leader, the participating children participated in the fixed-point shooting, bowling and darts events.
The atmosphere on the field was tense and intense, and every child fought hard for honor. The audience was also full of passion, cheering for the contestants. "Actually, the results of the competition are not important, for me, if I can see the children bravely go on the field and integrate into the group, we are already champions. A parent of a "special child" said frankly.
At the award ceremony after the competition, the guests presented medals and prizes to the children who won the champion, second and third runners-up. The day coincided with the Laba Festival, and the staff also distributed Laba porridge, souvenirs, and blessings to everyone.
The organizer will award medals and prizes to the children who won the champion, second and third runners-up. Photo by Yu Haoyang
The organizers said that the Games not only provided an opportunity for children with intellectual disabilities and their families to participate in winter rehabilitation and fitness and public ice and snow sports, but also allowed more people to witness the tenacity and love of sports for children with intellectual disabilities. I hope that every child can enjoy life, integrate into society, and laugh at life through participating in sports. (ENDS)