ASEAN Autism Friendship Games

The ASEAN Autism Friendship Games (Third ASEAN Autism Network Congress) is organized by the Autism Society Philippines, ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), Japan Foundation Asia Center (JF), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Philippines, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) of the Philippines, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The ASEAN Autism Friendship Games aims to realize the right of persons with autism to sports, leisure and recreation, as provided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

| Overview | Objectives |
|  How to Join | Entry Fee | Downloadable Forms |
| Food and Accommodation | Leisure Activities | 

| Adult Support Guides | Sports Events and Categories | Prizes and Certificates |
| Sports Events Guidelines | Cultural Presentation Guidelines |

Overview

Persons with autism (PWA), just like other persons with disabilities, should enjoy the same equal rights and protection as provided by the UNCRC and the UN CRPD. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) stipulates that “States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities” while Article 30 Section 5 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) provides that persons with disabilities should be enabled to participate on an equal basis with others in recreational, leisure and sporting activities. These rights clearly emphasize the importance of recreation, leisure and sports in developing and continuously honing the skills and potentials of PWA.

Objectives

The event aims to enhance the holistic development of persons with autism through autism-friendly recreation, leisure and sports activities by:

• providing friendly opportunities for participants to develop, hone and showcase their potentials, talents and abilities;
• developing sportsmanship (magnanimity in victory and acceptance of defeat);
• enhancing communication and social skills;
• developing friendships among persons with autism from the different countries;
• strengthening the bond among family members;
• encouraging more participation of persons with autism and their families in the succeeding similar events in Southeast Asia and Japan;
• providing a venue for AAN member countries and Japan to strengthen relationships;
• promoting the implementation of Article 30 of UNCRPD and Article 31 of the UNCRC; and
• developing a model on how to organize sports and recreation festival.

How to Join

This event is open to families connected with the AAN Member organizations from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Please inquire with your local organization should you wish to participate.

Entry Fee

PHP 500 - persons with autism
PHP 200 - companion for assisted games

Downloadable Forms

Form Registration for Persons with Autism
Form Registration for Companions

Consent Form
ASP Confirmation and Participant List

Food and Accommodation

Participants shall be responsible for their accommodation and food during the games.

The Philippine-based organizers shall assist the delegates (local and foreign) in looking for hotel accommodation.

Sports Events and Categories

Events | Swimming | Track and Field | Bowling

Categories | Assisted Below 13 years old | Assisted 13 years old and above | Unassisted Below 13 years old | Unassisted 13 years old and above

Prizes and Certificates

The winner of each event and category shall receive a gold medal for first, a silver medal for second and a bronze medal for third. Participants will be given a certificate of participation.

Sports Events Guidelines

The games shall follow the commonly accepted amateur standard rules and regulations of the sports and recreational activities. Reasonable accommodation may be applied.

Any protests shall be submitted to the officials immediately after the specific game.

Persons with autism who are winners of international competitions like the Special Olympics shall not be allowed to join as a regular participant in the games.

Participants shall wear the standard sports attire during the games and recreational activities; but reasonable accommodation may be applied to maximize participation.

Cultural Presentation Guidelines

To promote brotherhood and cultural understanding of the participating countries, a cultural presentation shall be part of the Games.

Each country shall be invited to showcase their culture through dance, music or any presentation. Performers can be persons with autism together with their family members or adult supporters.

Each country shall be given 10 minutes to present.

Each country shall inform the organizers of their presentation at least fifteen (15) days before the actual program.

Leisure Activities

Los Baños was declared as a "Special Science and Nature City of the Philippines" through Presidential Proclamation No. 349 in recognition as a center for science and technology in the development of agriculture and preservation of the environment.

Here are suggestions from the Department of Tourism on things you can do in Los Banos.

Leisure and recreational activities will be provided such as parlor games, clay molding and coloring that will be joined by persons with autism and the adult support or companions.