A Day of Fun in the Sun

Students and kids gather at ISB for the thirteenth annual Special Kids Olympics

As the bus from Baan Nonthaphum entered the gates of ISB, curious faces could be seen from the windows. As kids started spilling out of the bus, ISB students eagerly awaited to find out who their buddies were going to be for the event. Some had difficulty walking so they had to use a wheelchair and some had hearing disabilities, but they all had one thing in common: they wanted to have fun.

Last Saturday, on November 28, students from ISB and Baan Nonthaphum (a government home off of Tiwanon Road for children with physical disabilities) gathered at ISB for the 13th annual Special Kids Olympics. The event started off with the pairs of buddies going through a hand tunnel. The Varsity Council members then greeted and had fun with the kids by dancing to the famous song, ‘YMCA’. All the kids also had fun participating in other events, such as a three-legged race, water balloon toss, and the popular tug-of-war. After that, kids were given the choice to either swim in the pool or relax at the library and play computer games.

As the event came to a close, a group picture was taken with all the participants. As everyone said their farewells, the kids from Baan Nonthapum got on the busses carrying their goody bags, which were distributed to them during lunch at the ES cafeteria.

Through the years, the Special Kids Olympics had changed immensely from when it was first started in 1997 by Mrs. Tananone and Mr. Macky. Only 30 children from Baan Nonthaphum participated, compared to the 80 from last Saturday, and the only thing they competed in was compete in water events. However, the only problem was that most of the kids couldn’t swim and it seemed that they were more interested in just playing in the pool than in competing. Also, instead of the Special Kids Olympics shirts that are specially made every year, the kids got used ES PE shirts. This year, however, funding was from the PTA so they were able to provide all the children and ISB buddies with a special T-shirt, designed by Grace Teo (9).

Many of the kids that participated in the Special Kids Olympics had positive things to say about the event. Freshman Nisha Stickles said, “I felt bad for my buddy because he was physically and mentally handicapped. However, I enjoyed giving him the opportunity not a lot of kids like him have.”

Teachers who volunteered during the event also had similar comments. “The Special Kids Olympics can make a difference in a child’s life because it gives them a chance to be outside for a full morning, running or swimming, and lets them have fun playing – it’s something that physically healthy people take for granted,” says Mr. Macky, one of the volunteers for the event. “And just seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces makes all the effort worthwhile.” Overall, the event was a great success, so if you didn’t get the chance to participate this year, it is strongly encouraged that you participate in the unforgettable event next year.

by: Christine Hathaway (ISBangkok)