Healthy living grounded on the foundation of regular exercise with the right facilities and a conducive environment is key for people living with special conditions. However, for children with intellectual disabilities, autism, and Down syndrome at the Dzorwulu Special School, this has been a long-standing challenge.
Despite the school’s ability to produce national champions for the nation at the global Olympic Games, it lacked a playground of good quality for effective exercising and befitting of talent development. A challenge that management of the school has grappled with for years without with no avail.
Last Thursday, 18th December 2025, was a ‘December to Remember’ for the students and management of the school, as Glico Life Insurance Ltd officially handed over an ultra-modern astro turf pitch.
The benevolent initiative forms part of Glico’s corporate social responsibility commitment to education, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
The project, which was completed in under a year, aims to enhance sporting and recreational activities for children with special needs, while supporting their preparation for competitive sports, including the Olympics.
Headmaster of the school, Frederick Tetteh, who expressed his profound gratitude to Glico Life, in tears, emphasised that obesity has been a serious problem for the children, especially those with Down syndrome, as their weight is usually huge and requires regular physical exercise to burn fat and live healthily, hence his excitement about the intervention.
“Ever since I came to this school as a teacher, we have realised that most of these special children have issues with their fine posture and gross motor skills development, which we have to train them physically to correct the anomaly, but we lacked a conducive playground with the right facilities to do that,” he said.
The ‘Glico Life Sports Arena’ was born in December 2023 when Glico Life embarked on its maiden visit to the school to organise a Christmas party for the pupils.
During a tour of the school, the prevailing challenge at the time was highlighted to the company and the leader of the delegation pledged to revamp the playground, and the fulfillment of that pledge has culminated in the construction of this ultra-modern astroturf pitch.
Managing Director of Glico Life, Maame Dufie Achampong-Kyei, speaking at the handover ceremony, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive development. Adding that Glico Life believes that every child deserves an opportunity to thrive, regardless of ability or circumstance.
She underscored the company’s long-term commitment to the school, stating that Glico will continue to maintain the project to ensure its prolonged lifespan for the benefit of the students.
“At Glico Life, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. This astroturf pitch is more than a sports facility -it is a symbol of our commitment to education, inclusion, and the well-being of children with special needs. As a company committed to cushioning everyone for life, we are proud to fulfil a promise made to these wonderful children,” she said.
She elaborated that construction of the pitch commenced with a sod-cutting ceremony on 14th August 2025 and was completed within four months through dedicated planning and collaboration.
Group CEO, Glico, Edward Forkuo Kyei, on his part, emphasised that education, health, and well-being are at the heart of its corporate values, placing special emphasis on supporting children with special needs within communities.
“As a company that is committed to cushioning everyone for life, we embraced this project wholeheartedly. This facility will significantly improve sporting activities in the school and open new opportunities for pupils to develop their talents,” he said.
The astroturf pitch is expected to provide a safe, modern, and inclusive environment for physical education, recreation, and talent development for the pupils of Dzorwulu Special School.
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