ASP Joins 33rd NDPR Week Opening Ceremonies

By Catherine Genovia, ASP Program Assistant

The opening of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week was held last July 17, 2011 at the Quezon City Circle. A charity fun run was hosted by Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM). M.O.V.E Manila Run 2011 proceeds will go to the PARM-PMA Charity Rehab Clinic and help vulnerable Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

After the run, awards were distributed for the following five categories: 2.2Km and 4.4Km for Men & Women in wheelchair, 3Km & 6Km for Men & Women and 2.2Km Buddy Run. The Working Committee of the 33rd NDPR also awarded the winners of the recent Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.

The ASP-National President, Grace Adviento and her husband, Glenn Adviento, joined the 3Km Run to support the said cause. The ASP Dream Girls wooed the audience with their powerful performance. PWA Special Olympic Athlete, Michael Almendrala, and mom ASP Trustee Carmel Almendrala, were assigned to serve as First Reader and Offerer, respectively, during the Thanksgiving Service that followed.

The ASP Dream Girls

ASP National President Grace Adviento with husband Glenn

“If a typical person saw a blind man who falls and yet did not do something to help the blind person, who do you think is disabled-the blind man or the man who is not blind?” asked Fr. Father Robert Reyes, the “Running Priest” during the homily.

The Holy Mass officiated by Father Robert Reyes

He reminded the congregation that disability is not confined to what we see-the person with autism, the blind or deaf, or those in wheelchair. He said that the man who did not help the blind man is in fact the one who is disabled. Unfortunately, it’s the worst disability a person can have.

The homily is part of the Thanksgiving Service which was offered to God for all the graces and blessings. He showered upon the PWD sectors. It was held at the Liwasang Aurora, QC Memorial Circle.

Posted in: ndprw