The Bellville Velodrome was a hive of activity at the weekend as more than 70 service clubs, religious organisations and schools made the One to One fair a day to remember for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The event, organised by the Western Cape Forum for Intellectual Disability (WCFID), brought together about 2 500 people on Sunday August 21 from all over the city.
The WCFID is a Cape Town based support network for training, resources and advocacy in the intellectual disability sector.
The Velodrome was transformed into a fun fair with music, shows, marching bands, gifts and delicious treats.
One to One, a fixture on the Cape Town calendar since 1980, was held at the Good Hope Centre in the past, but organisers had to find a new venue this year. Each year various clubs and organisations get involved by hosting stalls, running games or volunteering to be a “friend” to the intellectually disabled.
For Jessica Woodhall from Parklands College, this was her second year hosting a stall at the event.
“The fair is about bringing joy and giving back to people with intellectual disabilities. We try to make it as memorable as we can.” The Elkanah House Drumline brought the Velodrome to a standstill, as they moved through the stadium, with an electric performance.
Milnerton High School Interact member Lara Pinto hosted a stall for the first time.
“We take part every year but got to host this year, which is very exciting for us. It is always a great experience being at the fair and the atmosphere is like no other.”
Albert Glass of B’nai B’rith, an international Jewish organisation, has been the convener of the fair since 1981 and hopes to see the idea spread to other parts of the country.
“This is such a special day for all involved. The forum would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s One to One Day event,” said Mr Glass.