Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
Champions of inclusion, passion, and dedication defined the spirit of the International Seminar on Facilitating Educational Sports Camp for Children and Youth with Visual Impairment, a collaborative initiative of the PUP College of Human Kinetics, Parents Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC), and the Perkins School for the Blind. The three-day event, held at the PUP Main Campus from June 4–6, 2025, concluded with resounding success.
The seminar brought together educators, advocates, parents, and visually impaired children, fostering an empowering space for learning, discovery, and the celebration of abilities beyond sight. Delegates from Bhutan, Indonesia, and Vietnam joined local participants in engaging workshops, sports clinics, and inspirational plenaries—all dedicated to advancing inclusive education and accessible sports.
A Celebration of Possibility The event opened with messages of encouragement and unity from Director Felicitas C. Trinidad of PUP’s Office of International Affairs and Dean Lualhati A. Dela Cruz of the College of Human Kinetics. Both emphasized that the program was not merely about imparting knowledge and providing coaching, but about transforming perspectives, fostering confidence, and empowering lives.
Partners Ami Tango-Limketkai of the Perkins School and Roden Torres of PAVIC further inspired the audience, urging them to break down barriers of exclusion and embrace inclusive practices. A symbolic signing of partnerships sealed their shared commitment to advancing inclusive education and sports.
The day’s highlight was a plenary session led by Dr. Lauren Lieberman, a global authority on adaptive physical education. In her talk, “Universally Designing Sports and Physical Activities,” Dr. Lieberman emphasized that inclusive sports do not simply accommodate but uplift and empower entire communities. Participants later took part in hands-on coaching clinics in Blind Soccer and Goalball, where they quickly gained new skills while building friendships and confidence.
Strength in Every Step and Stroke At the PUP Oval, the second day burst with energy as participants took part in track and field events—sprints, long jump, discus, and shot put—supported by guide runners, sound cues, and student volunteers. Each event stood as a testament to resilience and determination, with every leap and throw symbolizing a triumph over limits.
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the swimming pool, where visually impaired children were introduced to the basics of swimming. Beyond skill-building, the session fostered courage, self-confidence, and the pure joy of discovering freedom in the water.
Overcoming Challenges, Together On the final day, participants took on an obstacle race course with 11 stations, testing their confidence and problem-solving skills alongside the support of dedicated volunteers and coaches. The morning concluded with a friendly bocce game and a refreshing yoga session, both underscoring the values of teamwork, trust, and perseverance.
In her closing plenary address, Dr. Lauren Lieberman delivered a powerful message titled “Sports and Physical Activities for a Lifetime.” She emphasized the lasting importance of inclusion as a lifelong mission, reminding participants that sports should always be a source of health, confidence, and community—regardless of age or ability.
The seminar culminated in an awards and recognition ceremony that filled the hall with smiles, applause, and heartfelt reflections. For many participants, it was more than just a camp—it was a transformative experience that broke down stereotypes and opened doors to new horizons.
A Legacy of Inclusion The seminar marked a milestone for PUP-CHK, demonstrating that impairment is not a barrier but a challenge that can be overcome through unity and purposeful action. Grounded in PUP’s core value of inclusivity, it resonated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). As the event drew to a close, one truth prevailed: inclusion is not merely an advocacy but a responsibility—building a world where no one is left behind.
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