Almost eleven years ago, a gift called Minoi Simeone was born.
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Half of his life was spent crawling because his legs were too weak to hold him up.
Born with a medical condition called mongolism, better known as Downs Syndrome, he was the youngest of six children.
Mongolism is a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome resulting with a flat face and short stature. People with this condition have 47 chromosomes.
His mother, Fa’amita Simeone, decided not to have any more babies after Minoi.
“Because I knew that if I had another child, I wouldn’t give him enough care that he deserved and needed from me.”
In the early days, she struggled with finding a school for her son.
Eventually she found out about the Fiamalamalama School for the Intellectually Handicapped at Alafua.
That was when his life changed.
“It was the best decision I made as a mother,” she said.
Since joining, her son has learnt how to walk and recently, he was one of six students from the school to receive a gold medal in bowling during the Special Olympics National Games held at the Apia Park. It’s something Ms. Simeone is very proud of.
It is also something that the Principal of the school, Sharon Suhren, is excited about.
Other students won gold medals in the same sport. They are Talaoso Tavui, Samuelu Aukusitino, Enesto Auelua, Makiasi Teofilo and Iafeta Pouono.
“They are very happy about this because they will also be awarded their gold medals,” said Ms. Suhren.
The winners had to compete against other schools such as; Lototaumafai, S.E.N.E.S.E. and other schools from Savai’i.
But she couldn’t confirm the names or how many schools her students had competed against from Savai’i.
“As part of their preparations for the Special Olympics the school hosts school sports every Wednesday,” Ms. Suhren said.
Ms. Simeone praised the school for giving her son the opportunity to enjoy life just like everyone else.
“For six years of his life, he couldn’t walk,” she said.
“But then after entering him into Fiamalamalama, I have seen so many changes in terms of his activeness and his physical strength.”
“I remember when he was born, and I noticed he was sick. I prayed to God over the years that I needed him because without him, nothing could be possible.”
She said God’s love has been amazing.
“He showed me this school and look at how quick my baby has grown and improved.”
Looking at him, the mother concluded: “I wouldn’t give him up for the world. He is truly my pride and joy.”
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