People with disabilities in Bali take part in physical training games ahead of Independence Day

Dozens of people with physical disabilities in Denpasar, Bali, took part in a range of traditional 17 August games that also served to train physical endurance and motor skills ahead of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.

“These games also aim to build togetherness and solidarity,” said Ni Wayan Wulan Aprilianti, Education Coordinator at the YPK Bali foundation, in Denpasar, Bali, on Saturday.

The dozens of people with physical disabilities, who are recipients of free services at YPK, took part in six types of games: a cracker-eating contest, a crawling race to pick up doughnut toys, a marble race, a pencil-into-bottle contest, a flag relay race and a crawling race to collect flags.

All of the games were held not only to enliven the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, but also carried special meaning, namely to train motor nerves, focus, coordination and physical endurance.

To add to the cheer, the participants, who ranged from children to adults, received gifts in the form of basic necessities and other small treats.

A number of participants enthusiastically welcomed the games by wearing typical 17 August attributes, including red-and-white ribbons tied around their heads, festive clothing and carrying the Indonesian flag.

One participant, Bagus Bhibil, said it was his first time taking part in the cracker-eating contest for Independence Day.

He expressed hope that the anniversary would make Indonesia more advanced and its people prosperous.

“The games were fun. I hope Indonesia keeps progressing and that there is no more corruption,” said the 15-year-old Bhibil.

Echoing Bhibil, Bayu Dimas was also taking part in Independence Day games for the first time, having previously been a supporter.

“I didn’t finish the cracker, I was rushing, but it was fun,” said the 17-year-old.

In total, there are 237 service recipients at the foundation, including physical therapy services covering physiotherapy, informal education classes, hand and foot classes, blow-painting skills classes, music and choir.

The recipients of the free services range in age from one year old to a maximum of 65 years old.