TAARANA, a Petaling Jaya education centre for children with special needs, had its annual Sports Day coincide with Teachers Day.
Themed “Guardians of the Nation,” the dual celebration served as a tribute to the teachers who protect and strengthen their students through education and inclusion.
“Today is more than just an annual celebration of fun and games.
“As we celebrate Teachers Day, we also recognise the dedication of our teachers at Taarana as the first line of defence in nurturing these young guardians, working hard to support our students every step of the way,” said Taarana principal Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran.
The theme reflected a core belief that every individual, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, possesses essential value and has a vital role to play in the community.
Amid cheers, vibrant colours and a sense of togetherness, the celebration transformed the Petaling Jaya City Council’s multipurpose hall into an arena of empowerment, where students, parents and teachers stood side by side as contributors to a more inclusive and resilient society.
The day began with a warm‑up and aerobics session before transitioning into a series of games specially tailored to showcase the diverse talents of students and families.
Embodying the “Guardians of the Nation” theme, the programme also featured a heartwarming parents‑and‑children game segment that highlighted the role of caregivers as vital pillars of the community.
At the awards ceremony, every participant was recognised for their contribution.
This year’s event was one of Taarana’s largest to date, with more than 30 students, 77 parents and caregivers, 19 staff and 11 volunteers in attendance.
Now in its 14th year, the celebration continues to grow as a key platform for inclusive community engagement.
RYTHM Foundation head Vidya Anandan said: “Inclusion is not a one‑day effort. It is a continuous commitment to building systems that recognise and support every individual’s potential.
“Through initiatives like this, we are creating platforms where every child is encouraged to participate, express themselves and shine in their own unique way, while shaping a more inclusive and compassionate society.”
For Taarana student Rayden Lai’s family, supporting him at Sports Day has become an annual tradition.
“Moments like this mean so much to our family.
“Seeing our children participate with confidence and joy reinforces how important inclusive spaces like Taarana are,” said Rayden’s mother Carmen Lai.
