Bermuda will celebrate the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a series of events over the coming weeks.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, said that while the day will be marked on December 3, the Government wanted to highlight a raft of events taking place before and after.

"WindReach's Common Ground Conference, Hope Academy's Morning Wave and Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute's Motorcade have become beloved, highly anticipated staples of IDPD for the local disabled and wider community alike, and we're encouraged to see the enthusiasm and excitement from the organisations involved to build on and continue this,“ Ms Furbert said.

"Unfortunately, the MWI Motorcade will not take place this year. However, we expect an engaging and inspiring week nonetheless.

"We encourage the disabled community to participate in the events that will take place for them, by them. And in the spirit of inclusion, we also hope to see the wider community supporting these events.

"As we strive to 'promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities’, it is our aim that the spirit of inclusion, understanding and acceptance not just be celebrated over IDPD week but it becomes second nature in our day-to-day lives."

Among the events on the schedule are the Body Burn Fitness Fundraiser to benefit the Special Olympics Bermuda, which took place this morning at Barrs Park, and the Divas and Dons Denim Dance at CedarBridge Academy tonight to benefit Special Olympics Bermuda and One Special Night.

The formal IDPD proclamation will be held at the steps of City Hall at 12.30pm on Monday, while Tuesday marks Giving Tuesday, when members of the public are urged to give to worthwhile causes.

On December 1, the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy will host a virtual open house through Zoom between 9.30am and 10.30am, while the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy Morning Wave will take place at Friendship Vale Park between 8.45am and 9.30am on December 2.

Later that day, from 9.30am to 1pm, Windreach will host its Common Ground virtual conference by Zoom.

On IDPD Day, Inspire Bermuda will launch a tag day with representatives at Lindo’s stores in Devonshire and Warwick.

On December 8, Special Olympics Bermuda will host a track meet between 9am and 2pm at the Flora Duffy Stadium.

A spokeswoman said the event is an “opportunity for differently abled persons to come together and compete in an inclusive and supportive environment”.

The celebrations will conclude with Human Rights Day on December 10.