The Hindu : New Delhi News : A movement to empower the mentally challenged through sports

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

A movement to empower the mentally challenged through sports

Madhur Tankha

Centre's nod for Special Olympics Bharat

NEW DELHI: Special Olympics Bharat, a movement dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disability through sports training and competition, has been recognised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a national sports federation for the mentally challenged in India.

The underlying objective behind the recognition is to enable those battling with intellectual disabilities to integrate into the national mainstream and become productive and proud citizens.

Special Olympics Bharat that offers sports training to the mentally challenged through its 26 sub-programmes in 24 States across the country is the national accredited programme of Special Olympics International.

Describing the Government's decision to award official recognition to Special Olympics Bharat as "historic", Special Olympics (Asia-Pacific) senior vice-president and acting managing director Troy Greisen says: "There are over 30 million people with intellectual disability in India and with this support Special Olympics Bharat can reach out to many more people."

Acknowledgment

Mr. Greisen said Special Olympics was continuously transforming the lives of millions across the globe and this acknowledgment would provide its local volunteers the impetus to continue with their efforts in coaching, training, conducting competitions and organising local programmes across the country.

Stating that those with intellectual disabilities were the most marginalised and unheard voices of India, Special Olympics Bharat chairman Air Marshal Denzil Keelor says: ``The Special Olympics Bharat programme has been making society at large aware of the amazing potential of those with intellectual disability. Through this recognition, the Government has taken a positive step towards its commitment to these often unheard voices."

The organisation provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for mentally challenged children and adults, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail