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| Express News Service, First Published : 19 Feb 2011 03:23:05 AM IST |
| A day for exceptional children |
CHENNAI: It was not just a day for the children of Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children but a day for their parents too, excited at seeing them successfully complete tasks at the annual sports day on Friday. |
| Over six special schools and two regular schools participated in the sports day, started off in a small way 20 years back, aiming at events that could help special children. Aged between zero and six, special children included those affected with cerebral palsy, attention deficit, Down Syndrome and visually challenged. Children who had no grip in their hands picked and dropped onions and potatoes from one box to another while others sorted out vegetables based on their colour, ran on tracks by hearing the sound of a bell, matched objects of same size and many more within given time. Parents guided their kids. “Till last year, we were giving prizes for first three places. But this year, we decided that it won’t be a contest. Our kids will participate in events with regular school kids,” said Jaya Krishnaswamy, Director, Madhuram Narayanan Centre for Exceptional Children. |
| But more than the kids, one could see happiness in the eyes of the parents as their wards finish the task within the stipulated time. “I have brought my four-year-old girl for the first time. This event is an encouragement not just for our children but also for us,” said Malarvizhi from Washermenpet. |
| Former Kerala State and South Zone Cricketer Ajay Kudva gave away prizes. Started in 1989, the centre provided Early Intervention for children with mental retardation under the age of six years. |
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