Manila, Philippines — Some 20 special children recently participated in the basketball clinic organized by the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star Coaches at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

PBA All-Star coach Tim Cone, San Mig Coffee Mixers assistant coaches Richard Del Rosario and Jeffrey Cariaso, and San Sebastian coach Topex Robinson participated in the event co-sponsored by PBA, SM MOA Arena, and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.

Children with Down Syndrome and autism were taught dribbling, passing, ball handling, and shooting.

Special education teacher Arnold Alegre said that playing sports is one of the best therapies that should be given to special kids because it teaches them to focus, improves their physical development, and gives them the chance to bond with other children.

“Sports boost confidence, and [through these,] they get to interact with other children. That opens up a whole lot of experience for them,” he said.

He also urged people to be more open to people with autism and Down Syndrome, as they could be productive members of the society if given the necessary support.

“We have to see beyond disability. We have to remove the ‘dis’ from disability, because they have the drive to attain the skill they can be interested in,” Alegre said.

“But this could be only achieved if we train them.”

The weekend event was part of the PBA All-Star Week festivities at the SM MOA. (Jaimie Rose R. Aberia)