Special day delights orphans, special needs children

JEDDAH: The world’s tallest man and the world’s shortest man joined more than 250 children with special needs for a family fun day at the Aramco compound in Jeddah last Thursday.
The children, including orphans from the region, were guests of organizers Saudi Aramco who hosted the event with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and children’s charities. The organizers made sure there were lots of fun-filled activities to suit all ages and abilities. These included arts and craft competition, tele-matches, quizzes, face painting, a bazaar, live entertainment, Hijazi dance and storytellers and every child’s favorite, the bouncy castle.
Esa Al-Gharni, fun day organizer, said it was a great opportunity for families and children to meet. “We arranged this day especially for orphans and children with special needs to include them in society, make them feel they can participate in any event or function like any other child. We also invited the families of Aramco employees to join in the fun.”
Rahma Karbi, organizer of the children’s art workshop told Arab News she combined therapy with fun activities. “We teach children who have difficulty grasping, how to hold the brush to paint clay shapes.”
The children were clambering to have their photograph taken with the tallest man, Ghulam Shabir, and Qamar Ali, the shortest man. The two men told Arab News they were delighted to visit the Kingdom and were especially pleased to be invited to join in family fun day.
Shabir said he believes all people should love and respect each other and people should teach children to respect and care for those who need the attention, love and care of society.
“I have visited 95 countries of the world but I like Saudi Arabia the most, especially Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, where I performed Haj this year. I wish I could stay here forever,” he said.