Last March 13, 14 and 15, the children and staff of Aime and Jade Homes gathered at St. Peter’s Little Bridge Resort and Renewal Center at Taal, Batangas for the Aime and Jade Homes 2nd Intramurals – a yearly therapeutic activity for Virlanie’s children with special needs. A total of 56 children (30 from Jade and 26 from Aime) and 41 staff participated in the said event.
The intramurals intend to develop sportsmanship and foster good will and harmonious relationships among children and staff through sports. The various activities were designed to stimulate the children’s social, physical, and mental skills, as well as their psychological and emotional development.
Among the games played by the children were basketball, volleyball, badminton, baton relay, shot put, running long jump, shoot the ball, kadang – kadang, sack race, 200-meter dash, obstacle relay, and cup stacking. The staff also joined in the fun by competing against each other in basketball, volleyball, and badminton games.
Three days of fun and games
The children and staff were divided into four teams, namely Teal Duck, Pink Kitty, Love Lavender, and Power Orange.
Upon arrival, they went to their respective teams to prepare for the parade of colors. This was then followed by the lighting of torch, opening prayer, opening remarks, and team cheer.
The first day was comprised of the following games: baton relay, shot put, running long jump, shoot the ball, and basketball (elimination round).
The second day kicked off with a morning Zumba session for the children and staff. This was immediately followed by the first set of games for the day. Among others, games such as badminton and volleyball (elimination and championship rounds), kadang – kadang, sack relay, and basketball (championship round) were played.
Our Executive Director, Mr. Thomas Mouliac, also showed off his athletic side. He played basketball and volleyball with the staff and children. Sir Chris, Sir Cenen, Ms. Faidah and Dr. Menchu Rodis came later and cheered for the players. They even joined the boodle fight lunch.
The final set of games proceeded after lunch time. The children competed in an obstacle relay, 200-meter dash, and cup stacking game.
On the third and last day of the intramurals, the awarding ceremony took place. The winners and best players of each sport or game were awarded with medals, while the over-all champions were given trophies.
After computing each team’s score, Power Orange was declared as the intramural’s Over-all Champion with a total of 255 points. They were followed by Love Lavender, which garnered 235 points. Teal Duck won 2nd Runner Up place, which earned 170 points, while Pink Kitty was declared 3rd Runner-Up with a score of 160 points.
Promoting camaraderie through sports
According to Ross Perez, one of Jade Home’s Special Education teachers, the intramurals was launched by Jade Home staff as an avenue for the children and staff to bond with each other since majority of them like sports. “Nakakatawa yung kung paano siya nagawa kasi yung mga Jade staff talagang mahilig sa mga sports ‘yan, pati ‘yung mga bata. So naisip namin why don’t we come up with an integrated activity na makakasama naman yung Aime (It’s funny how the intramurals started. Since the Jade staff and children are fond of playing sports, we thought, “why don’t we come up with an integrated activity where Aime can join us?),” said Teacher Ross.
He also noted that aside from honing the children’s physical and mental abilities, the intramurals also meant to strengthen the ties of the two special homes in Virlanie. “Nagkaroon kami ng chance na mailabas yung mga bata, makapagbond sila sa mga kapwa nila special [children with special needs]. Tapos para mas mapatibay namin yung samahan ng mga special people dito sa Virlanie Foundation (We had a chance to take the kids out, to let them bond with fellow children with special needs. This would strengthen the ties of the two homes for children with special needs here in Virlanie Foundation),” he added.
Since Jade Home staff organized last year’s intramurals. It was time for Aime Home to experience the event’s preparations this year. According to Teacher Ross, the two homes will simply take turn in organizing the intramurals.
With regards to their future plans, Teacher Ross remains enthusiastic for the intramurals in the years to come. “Every year yan hinihintay ng mga bata at ng mga staff. Excited sila. Although medyo mahirap yung pagpeprepare, pero makikita mo yung batang masaya, naglalaro, nag-eenjoy, nagchi-cheer, syempre yan yung motivation namin para i-continue lalo yung sports every year (Every year, the children and staff look forward to the intramurals. Although the preparations are a bit difficult, once we see the children happy, playing, enjoying, and cheering, this will serve as our motivation to continue the intramurals every year).”
