Madagascar students with disabilities win national medals
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In Antsiranana, Madagascar, Octave Lydie Sabine, a teacher and coach, led a team of ten students with disabilities to the national Sport Scolaire competition in Mahajanga.
Sabine, inspired by a similar program she observed in Fianarantsoa, formed the team from the Passerelle integrated class at the Scama primary school. The students, who faced potential barriers to participation due to funding, trained for a full school year to compete.
The team initially struggled to secure funding for travel to Mahajanga, as the relevant ministry prioritized support for non-disabled students. Sabine then successfully appealed to the regional government and local businesses, gathering enough resources to allow the team to travel and compete. At the competition, the athletes from Antsiranana achieved remarkable results, winning six medals, three gold, two silver, and one bronze, in track and field events.
They earned gold medals in the 100-meter and 3.5 kg weight throw, with silver medals also in the 100-meter race and a bronze in the 200-meter race. The team’s success demonstrates the potential of inclusive sports programs to empower children with conditions like Down syndrome, autism, and hearing impairment.
