Gallery Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The parking area at the Langeberg Mall was awash with blue as businesses, representatives from schools, families, municipal councillors, bikers and even members of the neighbourhood watches came out in support of autism awareness on Friday, 5 April.
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The world commemorates Autism Awareness Day on 2 April and the month of April is when awareness campaigns take place.
Blue is the colour chosen to promote autism awareness.
The Mossel Bay autism support organisation, ETHAN, and its partners such as the ZJ Hulpsentrum, an education facility for children with special needs, went all out to organise a memorable fun walk around the mall.
"The aim of the ETHAN Autism Awareness Parade was to involve Mossel Bay community members and to grow their understanding of autism. "Autism is a neuro-development difference that generally leads to differences in communication and social skills, unique patterns of thought and behaviour, and divergent sensory experiences.
"It is a neurological difference that can present difficulties, but also advantages," says event organiser Dianne Hobbs from ETHAN.
"We had an amazing turnout of close to 400 people who joined us in parading down Louis Fourie Road in their beautifully decorated, bright blue floats, trolleys and outfits.
"Spirits were high as the floats flashed their blue lights and the walkers lifted everyone's spirits with their songs and dances."
There was also entertainment offered at the mall in support of those with autism spectrum, their families, educators and caregivers.
After the parade, the participants were all entertained by songs from the ETHAN choir, comprising young adults from APD KwaNonqaba and Great Brak River as well as Siyanithanda.
Leolan Academy was responsible for the dance numbers and the ZJ Hulpsentrum staged a special play, Biscus Makes Friends. A heartwarming solo was sung by Olwethu, a visitor all the way from Cape Town.
Winners
Several winners were rewarded for their participation in the event:
Bluest Mall – Langeberg Mall
Bluest Business – Coffee@Work
Best Decorated Float – Seesig Motors
Most Spirited Float – ZJ Hulpsentrum
Best Decorated Trolley – APD Mossel Bay
2nd – Au-some Superheroes (Sam Botha)
Most Spirited Team – KwaNonqaba Congregation (Mimi Tinyane)
Best Dressed Individual – Othandileyo Gagela
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