BY GINNAH MINI
The Special Olympics Papua New Guinea (SOPNG) has ended its three-day “Call for Volunteers” Batch III Training program at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday.
The training was aimed to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding required to effectively serve as a volunteer within SOPNG.
SOPNG called for volunteers to be a part of the movement that empower individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), they are referred to as athletes in SOPNG, to build confidence, showcase their abilities and promote inclusion through the power of sport and community.
SOPNG President Takale Tuna stressed that the vision for SOPNG is there to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities feel included rather than being left out.
“Once athletes are exposed to sports, they build their confidence and they begin to realize that they are not alone,” he said.
Training volunteer Demelza Passingan said she chose to volunteer because SOPNG has done so much for the athletes and she wanted to put her extra time into giving back to the community.
“I have learned that inclusion is very important despite one’s lack in certain human development or behavior,” she said.
“Every individual has a unique trait and they are seen as equal in our society.”
Youth leader for SOPNG and member of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Youth Leadership Council, Eunice Wanjumoe, said she was a testament of this Call for Volunteers Training Program.
“I joined SOPNG through the Call for Volunteers Training Batch I that was held in 2024”, she said.
“Through my interactions with the athletes I discovered their unique abilities, strengths, and talents.
“I also realized that while they have different needs, they have incredible potential. As a young person, I felt that I could play a role in providing the support, encouragement, and inclusion they deserve.”
Parents with ID children can reach out to SOPNG to help their children feel included and connect with peers.