4Th ASP Laguna Friendship Games

By: Judith Clarisse B. Punzalan, UPLB Student

An event such as this should be given recognition for it symbolizes hope for children having special condition as well as special talents. Through the perspective of a student, it was an opportunity to know these people – the people behind the activities and the people who played – an eye-opener and memorable experiences which are irreplaceable by anything. Hep-hep, Hooray!

ASP Laguna Chapter held its 4th Annual Friendship Games last February 1, 2010 at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB) grounds. This year‘s games was hosted by the Autism Resource Center (ARC). The event held various games that explored every aspect of the special children’s potentials in the field of sports.

After the morning registration, Drum and Lyre Band of CSILB Christian School International, Los Baños led a short parade. Lighting of the torch and singing of the National Anthem were done by Cyndy Santos and Wilbert Allan Rola, respectively. Both are trainees at the ARC.

ASP Laguna President, Riza Cansanay, gave the welcome remarks, followed by the Oath of Sportsmanship for the 13 participating schools and centers, led by Yoly Olea and Teacher Ivy Lopez of Creator’s Center.

The games started with the long jump competition and sprint relays (50, 100, 125, 250 meters) and also, tug-of-war. Other participants also enjoyed other sports activities like swimming competition; slalom style dribbling relay and free-throw shooting. For the non-athletic participants, board games like chess, Word Factory; drawing and coloring were provided. After the lunch break, the much awaited dance sport competition was held.

The overall champion, GS Option House, got the ASP Laguna Friendship Games Perpetual Trophy, while Holy Rosary College got the 2nd runner up plaque and ARC got the 3rd runner up plaque. Holy Rosary College will host the 5th Games in 2011. Winners from the various events were given awards by city councilors, Hon. Neil Andrew Nocon (Laguna), who is also ASP Laguna Board member and Hon. Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista (Los Baños).

4th Annual Friendship Games last February 1, 2010
at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB) grounds

Special thanks to the participating schools/centers Autism Resource Center, Los Banos;Cabuyao SpEd Center, Cabuyao; Creator’s Center for Autism, Binan; First Steps Intervention Center, Calamba; GS Option House, Binan; Hope Intervention Center, Calamba; Kids Spot Intervention Center, Calamba ; Love and Hope Association, Liliw ; Mayapa Elementary School-SPED, Calamba; Paete Intervention Center, Paete ; Sta. Cruz Elementary School - SPED, Sta. Cruz ; The Learner’s Academy, San Pablo City ; Holy Rosary College, Sta. Rosa City.

ASP Chapters continue to work hard in Sharing Hopes and Building Dreams to localities where autism is often misunderstood and access to services are limited. ASP Chapters need your support. Call 7-903-5496 or email us at autismphils@gmail.com. Visit our community website to check out ASP chapters in your area.