Uniquely Me, a pageant for children with special needs
Despite this, Debbie says her son is amazing because even though he can't speak well, he can sing a whole song with no problem and loves being on stage.
A pageant of a different kind is back in Springs for the second year. Uniquely Me, is a pageant for children with special needs.
Founder Debbie Oberholster, created the pageant for children like her son Diaan, who also has special needs.
“He was born with an extra chromosome, but it’s not Down’s Syndrome.
“He’s very unique as he is one of just three people in the world who has it. Because of that there’s not enough research that has been done on his condition.
“He’s a slow learner and has low muscle tone and can’t speak well,” says Debbie.
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Despite this, Debbie says her son is amazing because even though he can’t speak well, he can sing a whole song with no problem and loves being on stage.
“Because he loves the stage so much, and I saw that in America they do pageants like these, I thought that was something nice to do.
“Our pageant is different in that parents can also participate and go on stage with their child, and they choose their own song.
“There won’t be an overall winner, but instead each child will receive a prize at the end of the night,” says Debbie.
The pageant will also be a fund-raiser for a nursery school which Debbie hopes to open for special needs children in Springs.
She came up with the idea for a nursery school after struggling to find a school for Diaan when he was younger.
There will also be an auction on the day to raise funds for children who need wheelchairs.
“These won’t be electric wheelchairs as those can get very expensive and I’d much rather help seven children instead of one,” says Debbie.
The pageant will take place on September 7 at the Springs Civic Theatre Main Hall and there is a R100 entry fee per contestant.
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For those with children who would like to take part, there is a limited number of sponsored tickets available.
Closing date for entries is August 31.
To donate or enter your child in the pageant, contact Debbie at debbieoberholster@yahoo.com or on 083 437 0601.
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