Karnataka - Mysore   

Athletic meet for mentally challenged in Mysore

MYSORE: An estimated 650 mentally challenged boys and girls from all over the State will congregate at University Oval Grounds here for three days from November 23 to participate in the State-level Athletic Championship for the Mentally Challenged.

Organised jointly by Rotary Mysore Midtown and Special Olympics Bharat’s Karnataka unit, the championship Challenged features a host of competitions, including sprint, long jump, tennis ball throw, shot put and walking race in an effort to enhance the participants’self-esteem.

Disclosing this to reporters here on Monday, president of Rotary Mysore Midtown Sundara Raja Rao said those participating in the meet had been selected on the basis of their performance in various regional special athletic meets. “This is the first time such a mega State-level meet is being held in Mysore,” he said.

The mentally challenged students participating in the rare event represent 68 schools situated in different parts of the State. The participants are aged between eight and 30 years.

Regional coordinator of Special Olympics P.S. Balakrishnan said the participants would be divided into five categories, depending on their ability, age and gender to ensure competition among those with similar abilities.

“Each group will have a minimum of three and a maximum of eight members. Separate gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to each group. There will be more than 150 groups and over 450 medals will be awarded. Besides, a trophy will also be given away to the district that performs well in the championship,” Mr. Balakrishnan said. Chairman of the athletic meet M. Azeezulla, who was also present on the occasion, said a total of 14 Special Olympic athletes from Karnataka, who made the State proud with their performance at the Special Olympics World Summer Games at Shanghai in China, would be felicitated during the inaugural function of the championship in Mysore.

“They made us proud by participating in several events like cycling, basketball, badminton, roller skating, athletics, power lifting, aquatics and volleyball. They brought us laurels that include four gold medals, five silver and six bronze medals,” Mr. Azeezulla said.

Before the inauguration of the championship on November 23, a rally will be taken out from Nanjaraj Bahadur Choultry to University Oval Grounds through Shivarampet, D. Devaraj Urs Road, JLB road and MUDA circle to spread awareness on the needs of the mentally challenged. During the rally, which will be flagged off by Mysore City Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, the students will carry placards highlighting their aspirations, achievements and their vision.

Pontiff of Suttur Math Shivarathri Desikendra Swamiji will attend the inaugural function of the meet, which will be formally opened by Principal Secretary to the Department of Women and Child Development Shalini Rajneesh.

The valedictory of the meet will be held at 3.30 p.m. on November 25.

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