Picnic held for members of disabled community

In the warmth of Sunday afternoon, members of the disabled community took over the windy greens of the National Botanical Gardens for a special picnic hosted by Special Envoy For Persons with Disabilities Roslyn Hurley.

During her address Hurley says that she was very grateful for the opportunity to finally host the picnic as it was called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked the many “wonderful” people who assisted in organizing the evening of fun and frolic.

“It’s not about Roslyn alone but it is about a team of very hard working people,” she said.

Director of the  National Disabilities Unit John Hollingsworth says the outing was very important for those from the disabled community as many were confined to their homes and institutions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entities which took part in the picnic were the Child Care Board, the District Hospital, the National United Society for the Blind, the Derrick Smith and Challenor Schools and all special units within schools.

Those differently abled took part in numerous activities including croquet, board games and other games. There was also Karaoke for many to show off their vocal skills.

Sports Committee Chairman for the National United Society of the Blind Barbados, Pedro Belgrave, says that for him it was simply nice  to be back out with his colleagues and friends.

“Having this windy atmosphere is really nice. So far it’s been very lively. I am glad that the COVID-19 cases have gone down so that we can be back out and socialize and get away from the misery of being home. I am happy to be back out,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Belgrave also made an appeal to the Ministry of Sport to make provisions for the resumption of sporting events for the differently abled.

“I hope sporting events will open back up shortly so that we in the disabled community can continue our sporting activities in terms of swimming, and blind cricket.” he said. (MR)