Hundreds of autistic children excitedly participate in Vietnam Autism Awareness Day event

The event was held from March 29 to 30 with the participation of nearly 830 people, including 275 autistic people, along with families, volunteers, teachers, experts, guests and interested people nationwide.

The event was held in Do Son, Hai Phong with the participation of nearly 830 people, including 275 autistic people. Photo: VAN

Autism is a developmental disability that the United Nations calls on countries to pay attention to through World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) every April 2.

In response to this day, the Vietnam Autism Network (VAN) in collaboration with other organizations organized the event Vietnam Autism Awareness Day (VAAD), with the focus being the National Friendly Sports Festival for people with autism.

This event has been held annually since 2016 (Hanoi), 2017 (Ho Chi Minh City), 2018 (Bac Ninh), 2019 (Nam Dinh), 2023 (Hue), 2024 (Quang Nam) with the participation of thousands of people.

Autistic children, their families, volunteers and teachers enthusiastically participated in activities at the event. Photo: VAN

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Mr. Dang Van Thanh, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Association of People with Disabilities, said that the event of Vietnam Autism Awareness Day and the 7th Friendly Sports Festival is a meaningful program, not only spreading love but also honoring the will and determination of special friends in the community.

Mr. Dang Van Thanh emphasized that autism is not a barrier, but a different world that needs understanding, companionship and love. Events such as Vietnam Autism Awareness Day and the Friendly Sports Festival are the bridges that help us get closer together, help society have a more tolerant and profound view and join hands to create a friendly and fair living environment for everyone.

"In particular, the 7th Friendly Sports Festival is not only a sports playground but also a place to demonstrate the strength of will, team spirit and perseverance. I was deeply moved to see the athletes ready to compete with all their might, not only to win but more importantly to overcome their own limits. This is the most noble meaning of sports," said Mr. Thanh.

The Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Federation of Disabled Persons also expressed his hope that from these meaningful events, awareness of autism will be increasingly raised, so that together we can build a society where everyone is respected, loved and developed.

"Today's congress has no winners or losers, but all participants are winners - winners of themselves, winners of barriers to integration and development," shared Ms. Pham Kim Tam, President of the Vietnam Autism Network.

According to Ms. Pham Kim Tam, President of the Vietnam Autism Network, sports are not only a playground for physical training but also a bridge to help each person overcome their own limits, connect with the community and affirm their own values. For "special athletes", every step, every throw or every movement is a testament to extraordinary determination, strong will and the spirit of never giving up.

"We are extremely proud to organize a playground for you to show your talents, exchange, learn and especially enjoy the joy of sports. Today's congress has no winners or losers, but all participants are winners - winners of themselves, winners of barriers to integration and development", Ms. Pham Kim Tam shared.

The Vietnam Autism Network said that the Vietnam Autism Awareness Day and the Friendly Sports Festival were organized to raise social awareness of autism, develop a healthy sports movement for autistic people, provide a safe and fun playground, and support integration for autistic people.

At the same time, build a community of families with autistic children to share, support each other, and develop together in the sustainable development of society; promote the participation of groups in implementing social responsibilities, create common values ​​in the field of caring for vulnerable groups, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals; improve professional capacity for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

Through the event, the Vietnam Autism Network also hopes to call for social concern for this disability, gradually building an autistic-friendly community.

Nguyen Lien

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/hang-tram-tre-tu-ky-hao-hung-tham-gia-su-kien-ngay-viet-nam-nhan-thuc-ve-tu-ky-post408741.html