Special Olympics Maldives Successfully Concludes First-Ever Mental Health Session

When it comes to excelling in sports, Maldivians have set record-breaking standards on international platforms and broken the misconception of the tiny island nation being only about its natural beauty. However, it wasn’t until late that the inclusion of differently abled in the fields of sports was officially recognized.  
 
Young yet determined, Special Olympics Maldives aims to create an inclusive platform where the differently abled community is empowered in sports as much as everyone else, and creates opportunities to train and compete as a recognized athlete in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 
 
On Wednesday, the association concluded its first ever session on mental health conducted in affiliation with the Society for Health Education. As we all know, these trying times have taken a toll on all of us, especially on the differently abled community who have had further challenges in adjusting to the ongoing pandemic. The session was aimed for parents and caregivers registered at the association to discuss their concerns and seek professional assistance is providing a safer environment for their special loved ones.  
 
Even though it was the first session, it received participation from over 40 parents who were adressed by a panel from SHE. The line up was Educator & Positive Parenting Trainer, Husnu Afrose, Pychotherapist and Positive Parenting Trainer, Abdulla Faseeh, and Special Educator at the Inclusive Education Department of Ghiyasuddin International School, Aishath Nashath. Main topics discussed during the session includes dealing with stress, anxiety & depression. The panel also encouraged the participants by sharing various relevant information on the theme.