Bogotá Children with Disabilities Shine in “Circus of Friendship” Performance
BOGOTÁ, Colombia – A vibrant ”Circus of Friendship” performance showcased the artistic talents of 86 children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, autism, and multiple disabilities from the Amar Los Angeles Center today, demonstrating the power of inclusive arts programs.The event, coordinated by professionals and a dedicated music workshop, highlighted the abilities of the young performers, including Orlando, who has a visual disability and helped foster a space where music serves as a tool for expression.
The Center Crecer Los Angeles provides support to strengthen abilities, promote autonomy, and build community for its 86 young charges. The circus performance featured children embodying roles as jugglers, acrobats, magicians, and clowns.
“They are our children with disabilities, who… demonstrate their artistic skills,” said Ángela Patricia Velasco, coordinator of Los Angeles.”Orlando… has promoted a space where music becomes a tool of inclusion and expression.”
Velasco also praised the eager support from the artists’ families, noting that the children’s costumed roles reflected the positive response to the activity and the trust in the center’s professionals.
The Center operates with a core team of 15 professionals and a mobile team of 7, encompassing expertise in social work, audiology, psychology, occupational therapy, nutrition, nursing, physiotherapy, and more.
The performance is part of a broader initiative by the Bogotá administration of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, through the District Secretariat of Social Integration (SDIS), to strengthen the abilities of young people with disabilities and promote their inclusion in social, educational, sports, cultural, and family life.
Officials emphasized that the “circus of Friendship” underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing individuals not by their limitations, but by their abilities, dreams, and life projects. Each event, whether recreational, artistic, or educational, aims to dismantle stereotypes and build a more just and inclusive city.
Related: Bogotá is currently celebrating Disability Awareness Month with events in public spaces: https://bogota.gov.co/mi-ciudad/integracion-social/bogota-celebra-el-mes-de-la-discapacidad-en-espacios-publicos
