Identifying popular personalities, telling time from a clock, finding odd-word-out , creating shapes with ear buds, building tower with wooden pieces, or identifying human limbs, Grand Anicut and Taj Mahal by children doesn’t normally qualify for unusual accomplishment.
But when the participants demonstrating the skills are all special children in the age group of 13 to 18 years, it does add a zing to the whole experience.
And their enthusiasm and infectious zest were palpable at the quiz organised by the Rotary Club of Tiruchirapalli as part of the observation of the Day for Mentally Retarded here on Sunday.
The questions not only tested their general knowledge but also their training in memory techniques, time concept, and listening and visual skills. A total of 12 special schools in Tiruchi participated, with a team of two children each.
“The civic body is ready to provide all help for mentally retarded children. Special educators will be provided along with buildings and other facilities for special schools; they only need to ask us,” said V.P.Thandapani, Commissioner, Tiruchirapalli City Corporation, at the valedictory function.
The quiz master, R. Panchanadhan, a past president of Rotary Club, engaged the participants in a lively and friendly manner and brought out the best in the children. He praised the special schools for their efforts in taking care of children.
Spastic Society, Santhosh Special School, Matram Special School, Intact Special School, Arivalayam, and Hope Special School entered the finals. Britto Prabakaran and K. Sivaraj of Intact School won the first place, R. Deepak and J. Saravanakumar from Arivalayam secured the second prize and Yuvarani and Maheswaran from Santosh Special School came third. All participants and finalists too received prizes.
