The Officers and Marines participating in Tradewinds 2018 along with officials from the United States Embassy in New Providence participated in a 2-day community relations affair at the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled School.
The military personnel, who represented one of the several nations involved in the training exercise, interacted with the students through a variety of memorable sharing experiences. The children played with a variety of sensatory toys provided for them. In addition to playing a variety of fun games, the children utilized their wheelchairs by having fun races.
The troops also used the opportunity to stimulate the minds of the children by engaging them through the reading of books and sing-along music. They also assisted in the feeding of the young boys and girls during the lunch periods
Mrs. Linda Smith, Administrator of the school was ecstatic and grateful to the military personnel for their contributions.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed the presence of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the United States Embassy, the Canadian Embassy and all the military men and women who took the time to visit and interact with the children”, said Mrs. Smith. “The children are really enjoying themselves and the interaction with the sensatory toys are a great boost to their confidence”.
James Litten, a British Marine stationed aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Landing Ship Mount Bay was especially grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the children.
“Learning about their disabilities and playing and interacting with them, and feeding and making them laugh was a great experience”, said Litten.
The books and toys were graciously donated courtesy of the US Embassy in New Providence. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is hosting the annual regional training exercise with
approximately 800 participants from 22 nations. The military troops returns to the Bahamas
Association for the Physically Disabled School on June 21st to perform additional charitable
work.
