Approximately 553 children from different schools and centers in Metro Manila, along with more than 1,000 volunteers, gathered at De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU-M) yesterday, Jan. 19, to participate in the 31st founding year of For The Kids (FTK), a university-wide activity of De La Salle University that is a specialized mini-olympics held for Children with Special Needs (CSN) aged five to 12 years old from various Special Education (SPED) centers within Metro Manila.

This year’s special mini-olympic competition centered on the theme “FTK 2020 Dreamland: Into the World of Wonders.”

With 34 participating schools and centers including Community Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Facilitators (CPREF), Federation of Person with Disabilities, Pasay City Special Education Center, Wishful Angel Community Support Group For Inclusive Education Inc., the fun-filled day of activities commenced with a Holy Mass, followed by an intermission and morning exercise led by the De La Salle University Animo Squad.

Sportsmanship and camaraderie were also given emphasis through an Athlete’s Parade, Torch Lighting, and Oath Taking before the games officially opened.


Photo by Rdee De La Paz

Headed by the Center for Social Concern and Action-Lasallian Outreach and Volunteer Effort (COSCA-LOVE), which specializes in social engagements and immersions, games such as Basketball, Relay, Football, and Maze were some of the interactive activities prepared for the kids to enjoy, together with their assigned “Ate or Kuya” volunteers coming from the Lasallian community and partner institutions and sponsors.

Jeanne Fernandez, Overall Project Head, described FTK as an avenue for turning dreams into realities.

“‘’Pag kid ka, parang ang dami mong dreams in mind. Full of clouds, rainbows, and unicorns. So why not turn it into reality? For the child to feel that their dreams can come true once they enter FTK,” she said in an exclusive interview with The Benildean.


Photo by Rdee De La Paz

Catering to seven major conditions, namely Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Deafness, Visual Impairment, Down Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Gian Ramos of Center-SPED mentioned how FTK helps in removing the stigma. “Holding events like this [FTK], it clearly removes the stigma of kids with special needs. They’re given priority, and their conditions are being brought into the light."

Through immersing the Lasallian community and partner institutions and sponsors, COSCA-LOVE also aims for the widespread use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) for those excluded in the Deaf community, to achieve a more inclusive environment. Benilde’s School of Deaf and Applied Studies (SDEAS) was also part of the volunteers.

“It really fulfills your heart seeing those joyful smiles. It’s a very special feeling,” Ramos added.


Photo by Rdee De La Paz

Various performances were rendered by homegrown talents such as La Salle Dance Company (LSDC) Folk, LSDC Street, and LSDC Contemporary. A magic and bubble show was also held for the kids’ entertainment. An awarding ceremony concluded the event, providing new school supplies for each participating school and center.

Since its establishment, FTK has benefitted more than 10,000 children who are physically and intellectually challenged, and has grown to be one of the biggest institutional social engagement events in DLSU-M.