- Manizales lived days full of music, recreation and rest during Disability Week.
- The Mayor’s Office works for inclusion through activities that united people with disabilities, caregivers and citizens.
Photographs of recreation and fun activities during Disability Week
The activities of Disability Week are full of sensations.
The recent Sensory Concert brought together artists with and without disabilities and a curious and sensitive audience that wanted to get closer to that universe where the senses are the true protagonists. Between soft sounds, vibrations, rhythms and smiles, the atmosphere demonstrated that inclusion is not only talked about: it is sung, felt and celebrated.
But the party didn’t end there; On the fourth day, the Mayor’s Office decided to offer a moment of fresh air, rest and fun and organized a well-deserved trip to the La Rochela Recreation Center. People with disabilities and their caregivers arrived there, ready for a respite in the middle of nature.
“These people are an example of life despite their disabilities”said Blanca Nidia Franco Quintero, a housewife and family member of a person with a disability, excitedly while participating in the Mayor’s activities.
For María Cristina Gil, also a housewife, it was her first time in an activity of this type; This is how it was expressed: “I thought it was great”he told it with a laugh, like someone discovering a new world in his own city.
The integration was total; Luis Rendón Gaviria, who has a visual disability, enjoyed every moment of the walk sharing with friends with different conditions. At his side, his caregiver Sandra Milena Agudelo took advantage of the day to relax with her husband: “I was very happy”he said, happily.
Claudia Lucía González was also there, always looking out for her sister Luz Amparo; For her, the walk was a balm. “It was quite a break”he confessed while watching his sister having fun.
And between hugs, walks and conversations, María del Pilar Carvajal deeply appreciated the experience. Her son enjoyed every minute of the walk, and she as caregiver had a beautiful day.
“I thank the mayor because he cares about the well-being of us as caregivers. Thank you for thinking of us and allowing us to be in activities in which we were not included before”he expressed with a mixture of gratitude and relief.
Disability Week is not over yet. On Sunday it will take place “In Manizales: We All Run”a race for people with disabilities, their caregivers and any citizen who wants to join. A space to say, at a firm pace, that in this city there is always room for everyone.
With this type of activities, the Manizales Mayor’s Office demonstrates that inclusion is not speech: it is action, it is community and it is shared joy.
