Founder and Director of Woodfield Manor Autism School, Cornelia Boateng, has called against the discrimination of autistic children in Ghana.
Speaking at the maiden Woodfield Manor Autism School's 5 kilometre Marathon Walk held at Fafraha in Accra, Cornelia Boateng called for urgent policies and social change to end stereotypes against autism in Ghana.
"Each of the children has potentials in them that must be unearthed, and members of the community must understand that people with autism must be supported and not discriminated against," she stressed.
More than 50 children participated in the maiden Walk held at Fafraha in Accra on Friday.
In collaboration with Emmagee Fitness Center, the event was aimed at engaging autistic children in physical activities, creating autism awareness among the community and eradicating the stigma that children with autism had suffered from over the years.
Woodfield Manor School was joined by neighbouring schools, including the Royal School and Living Star School, Hands on Deck School, Teachers, and other members of the community for the walk.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Cornelia Boateng said they were surprised at the turnout since it was their first event in seven years since the school was established.
"The marathon was part of our curriculum, but we wanted to expand and engage the community and help destigmatize autism. We are glad the event came out very successful," she added.
She urged the public to accept autistic children and give them love and attention to live normal lives.
The 5km walk began from the school, through the Fafraha Township and back to the school where aerobics and awards were held.
In the end, distinguished participants were given medals, while all participants received certificates for their efforts.
Favour Odame came first in the female category, while Prudence Osei and Kwasi-Ansah came second and third in that order.
Young Alfred Enchill was the winner in the male event, with Jefferey Asare and John Aikon settling for the second and third positions, respectively. All winners in both male and female categories came from the Royal School.
However, there were special awards for pupils of the host school, Woodfield Manor, which saw Papa Kwesi Agyekum winning the ultimate gold medal.
At the same time, Curtis Sowah and Selorm Amenuke took silver and bronze in that order.
She congratulated the winners for their efforts and urged all children to exercise regularly to keep fit and engage in subsequent events held by the school.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of one of the school's caretakers in blessed memory.
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