The celebration of talent and inclusivity nurtures students’ belonging and empowerment.
PETALING JAYA, May 6, 2024 — The Taarana School for Special Education Needs set hearts racing and spirits soaring at its annual Sports Day at the Dewan Serbaguna MBPJ on Saturday (May 4). Amid cheers and camaraderie, students showcased their remarkable talents and indomitable spirit, proving that ability knows no bounds.
Taarana, a beacon of specialised education and therapy for children with cognitive and sensory impairments, transformed the arena into a vibrant carnival of inclusion and empowerment. Under the aegis of RYTHM Foundation, the social impact arm of the global conglomerate QI Group, Taarana embodies a nurturing environment where the potential of every child is cultivated.
The event began with a burst of colour and unity as students marched in spirited formation, donning the proud hues of their Red, Blue, and Green teams. Afterwards, their synchronised steps in an aerobics performance ignited a sense of belonging among the participants.
The games were meticulously designed to promote physical activity, coordination, teamwork, and enjoyment among the children. In the ‘Harvesting Berries’ game, they demonstrated agility and determination while gathering team-coloured balls. In the engaging ‘Pétanque’ contest, a lawn bowls-like game, they improved their hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness by striving to land their balls closest to the target.
Even the parents, integral to the success of the event, got in on the action during the high-energy ‘Wheels of Pong,’ balancing ping-pong balls on spoons and racing towards victory with synchronised teamwork.
The prize-giving ceremony, a culmination of admiration and pride, celebrated the students’ dedication and remarkable achievements. The Blue team emerged victorious, with the Red and Green squads securing the titles of first and second runners-up, respectively, amid cheers and applause.
Kuna Senathirajah, the Group Managing Director of QI; Boey Kho, the Director of Human Resources and Administration; Krishna Kumar, the Director of Business Development; Pathman Senathirajah, the Director of Marketing and Sales; and several senior executives presented the medals.
Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran, the Principal of Taarana, expressed her pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “Our Sports Day is a testament to the resilience and potential of our students. It reaffirms the school’s commitment to empowering students to achieve their utmost potential.
Associate Prof Dr Annapurny Venkiteswaran, a parent of a Taarana student, complimented the event’s transformative impact.
“Seeing my child flourish amidst the inclusivity of Taarana fills me with pride, reaffirming my belief in the importance of environments that celebrate neurodiversity and nurture individual growth,” Dr Annapurny shared.
Her sentiments echoed the emotions of many parents, underscoring the event’s crucial role in fostering acceptance of and confidence among the children.
In a separate development, Taarana is dedicated to offering comprehensive support and opportunities for its students through two upcoming initiatives.
‘Zero Waste @ Taarana’ educates students about recycling and broader environmental awareness through hands-on activities and art projects, fostering ecological responsibility, nurturing unique abilities, and promoting personal growth.
The ‘Taarana Café,’ part of the school’s EmpowerMe programme, will run a school-based food outlet where pre-vocational students will learn food preparation, customer service, and teamwork for future potential employment.
“These initiatives symbolise Taarana’s commitment to holistic education, where students learn to be responsible citizens while gaining valuable vocational skills,” Dr Sunitha explained.
About Taarana School
Established in 2011, Taarana School seeks to unlock every child’s potential to help them face the future with independence and conviction. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of children with cognitive and sensory impairments that significantly impact their daily functioning and require accommodations or specialised services. Learning, therapy, and skills development are personalised to help students fulfil their potential. Learn more about Taarana and its programmes at www.taarana.org.my/
About RYTHM Foundation
RYTHM Foundation, the heart of social impact for the QI Group of Companies, champions Education, Empowerment, and Environmental Sustainability. An acronym for “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind,” RYTHM embodies the QI Group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Since 2005, RYTHM Foundation has reached over 80,000 individuals across more than 20 countries, partnering with over 115 organisations to launch over 50 sustainable projects. Our initiatives, particularly in education, women’s empowerment, and inclusive support for youth and individuals with disabilities, have garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ghana.
Discover more about our impact and join us in making a difference at www.rythmfoundation.org
For media enquiries, please contact:
Anita Pandian (+6012-200 9645)
PR Manager, Communications
QI Group of Companies
