A Special Sports festival with the Indian Air Force
New Delhi: 75 Students between ages 7 and 18 yrs., of all Special Schools supported by the AFWWA (Air Force Wives Welfare Association) received Sports training from Special Olympics Bharat from 2-5 April 2018 at Subroto Park, Dhaula Kuan. The program was a part of Trishul Special Olympics & Paralympics Games For Special Children. While the trainings were conducted from 2-5 April, 6 April will witness a showcase of sporting competitions in the presence of Senior Indian Air Force officials and guests.
The athletes had to undergo sports trainings and medical screenings along with various indoor activities. The trainings were conducted by the SO Bharat Resource team in the disciplines of Athletics, Bocce, Powerlifting and Roller Skating.
The Grand culmination of the sports festival will take place on the 6th April, 2018 with competitions being held in the following disciplines:
· Finals of Track and Field events (Walk 25 Mtrs, 100 Mtrs. Run 50 mtrs, 100 mtrs. Relay Race 4X100 Mtrs)
· Wheel Chair race with Assistance 100 mtrs
· BOCCE ( Single)
Air Marshal C Hari, (PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, ADC, AOC IN –C Western Command) will grace the occasion as Chief Guest on Friday.
Chief Guest Air Marshal C Hari Kumar (PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, ADC, AOC IN –C Western Command) said: Conventionally, we work to improve the limitations of differently abled children. The event is a modest initiative to change the mindset of the parents to now work on the strengths of these children’
The year 2018 is of special significance to SO Bharat as the Special Olympics movement enters 50 years of creating a more inclusive, welcoming world for all. The global celebrations would inspire new generations to see the beauty, dignity and talent of persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Since 1968, Special Olympics has been changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Since 1968, Special Olympics has been changing the world. India celebrates having over 1.3 million Athletes from all the states and Union Territories successfully having nurtured sporting skills of the Athletes (persons with Intellectual disabilities) for the World Games over the years, with growing support of the Government of India and a wide network of educational institutions. With support of global entities like the LCI, ESPN, IKEA Foundation, Herbalife Nutrition, WWE the platform of providing opportunities to one of the most marginalized and invisible segments of the society accentuates the message and urgency of Inclusion.
Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC , Founder & CEO SO Bharat said : We appreciate the efforts of the Indian Air Force in this initiative that highlights the importance of sports. Having been part of the Indian Air Force I feel overwhelmed and look forward to nurturing abilities of persons with Special needs, together. We will be happy to take this initiative to other parts of the country