Differently Abled People Association (DAPA) presented their first “Differently Talented Multicultural Gala Show” on 31st August, 2014 at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club. DAPA is an organization that strives to create jobs for people with intellectual disabilities and also train them to live independent and happy lives.
The first of its kind involving individuals and groups of people with disability performing in various types of arts, the Multicultural Gala was welcomed by two hundred enthusiastic supporters. It showcased the talents of differently abled artists and spread the message of “inclusion”.
Mr. Ross Fear, Announcer/Producer Alive 90.5FM, Editor Global Gazette Disability was the master of ceremonies and Mr. Mark Nock was the AUSLAN interpreter.
The Show started with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem led by the pianist Jonathan Yuen followed strongly with Young-Joo Byun one of the ambassadors of 2013 Don’t dis My Ability Campaign. performing an AUSLAN “Sign N Sing” of the Titanic movie theme song – My Heart will go on and “Arirang Rhapsody” Korean traditional dance with Korean Sign language, Lungi dance, singing from several groups in English and Cantonese, Sanskrit Chanting and finally “Un Sospiro”, Liszt – Piano Solo by Anna Baek from DAPA.
DAPA hosted this event to raise the public’s awareness about the abilities of these performers. They were just as able in working together in making this event a happy memorable occasion for everyone involved in the organising and participation of it.
A huge gathering of over 200 supporters applauded, cheered and encouraged the stage. The audience were awestruck by the quality of the performances.
DAPA wishes to thank many of the guests, families, carers, volunteers and workers across the disability field for their tireless support. A special thanks to our music director, Dr. Cecilia Jeongmin Park. The Show has had the support of three levels of Government united in giving DAPA the encouragement for its vision and its work giving young people with intellectual disability a fighting chance to learn employment and living skills to be an active member of their local community.
Amongst the distinguished guests, there was the Mayor of Ryde City Council Councillor Roy Maggio together with a number of Councillors; The Honorable Philip Ruddock, MP of Berowra and Chief Government Whip; Senator Ernst Young of the NSW Legislative Council; Mr Harkan Harman CEO of Community Relations Commission; Ms. Helen Sham-Ho and Ms. Unis Goh, Council Member at Disability Council of NSW.
A number of CEOs and members coming from several disability support organizations like Sunnyfield, AC Foundation, Global Care, Samarpan, Korean Cockatoos, VHP, Chinese Parents’ Association – Children with Disabilities and Special Olympics were also present giving their support too.
The event concluded with an auction of the art works completed by the young people as part of their involvement in the DAPA’s Working for Life Program. These art works attracted much interests from the audience to purchase giving additional financial support to DAPA.
DAPA President Vicent Yu said “ We are very touched by the kindness of our supporters who donated endless hours of their time in assisting us to roll out to-day’s Show as well as giving financial support so generously. This is most encouraging for DAPA to strive harder .in our movement to create jobs for people with intellectual disabilities so that they can be trained to live independently.”
The broad smiles on the faces of the participants, carers and the audience said it all. The show was a huge success.
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