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A special event bubbling with excitement for children

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

SHOWING TALENT: Special children taking part in a sports event in Puducherry on Sunday.

PUDUCHERRY: Excitement and energy filled the air at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at Uppalam as a number of special children showcased their sporting talents, be it running, long jump or shot put.

In line with its objective of inclusive education, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan organised a Sports Day for visually challenged, physically-challenged, mentally retarded and hearing impaired children. Over 430 children from various government schools and special schools run by NGOs took part in the event.

The event, was organised for the first time by the government in the Union Territory.

The events included running, soft ball throw, long jump and shot put, State Project Director of SSA R. Parthasarathy said.

“The event was part of our inclusive education intervention. Such events will motivate the children and help to develop self-confidence,” he pointed out.

Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan distributed prizes and said the Sports Day for the special children should be an annual event. While the first three winners in each event received gold, silver and bronze medals, the other winners till the eighth place were given ribbons as per the Special Olympics practice, Mr. Parthasarathy said.

“The children are very happy to participate in such events. They can exhibit their talent here. While all other special children are classified according to their age, the intellectually disabled children are classified according to their ability,” said M. Sugathan of Saday Special School said.

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