Basketball classes for people with intellectual disabilities are already enabled at the headquarters of the municipality. There are more than 30 students with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum who meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
By: Romina Galeano
This activity is developed in an inter-institutional manner between the Municipality of Encarnación, the CENADE Help Center for the Disabled and a group of students from the Physical Education career at the Autonomous University, as well as a private educational institute in the area. There are 25 people in total, who help train the participants.
Currently more than 30 students with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum attend. And since they have everything necessary to teach this sport, they invite those who want to add more people to the practices, explained Jorge Cortez, basketball coach and sports director of the Municipality.
“Team Angiru” or “Team Friendship”, this is the name of the group of people who eagerly wait for the day of practice to be able to attend, learn and share more about this sport.
In a matter of days, the parents’ committee managed to create their own brand and acquire the clothing, accompanied by the dream that in the not too distant future they could join sports competitions at the local, national and even international levels, commented Professor María Piris Da Motta, mother of one of the athletes.
The requirements to be part of this inclusive sport are: to be 6 years old or older, to wear comfortable sports attire and the rest would be to attend with the best attitude to enjoy it, since there are no age limits in this regard. As for the current age range of the participants, it ranges between 6 and 40 years.
There are several benefits that sport provides for this population sector: in the emotional, psychosocial, affective and physical areas. The classes are free, they take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., at the Sacachispas Athletic Club, located near Avda. Costanera República del Paraguay in the city of Encarnación.
Those interested can approach the club directly on the days and hours of practices, or call (0975) 655510 with Professor Jorge Cortez.
