West Zone Regional Abilympics to Highlight Skills of 350+ Persons with Disabilities at Goa’s International Purple Fest
Panaji : The West Zone Abilympics 2024, set to unfold on January 11th and 12th at The International Purple Fest – Goa, that will be held from January 8 to 13 at Kala Academy, Panaji, Goa. Promising to be a celebration of abilities and talents, the coveted competition will see 250+ Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), hailing from diverse cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhavnagar, Botad in Gujarat and Panaji, Goa. Hosted by The National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) which has been promoting the Abilympics movement across India, the event celebrates the talents of persons with disabilities and fosters a more inclusive and diverse society.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category will see 63 participants, Crafts to have 113 PwD participants showcasing their prowess, Hospitality around 55 skilled individuals, and in Services 24 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are all set to shine. The expected participation of 250+ selected individuals underscores the enthusiasm and commitment towards making West Zone Abilympics a grand success.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General, National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and Founder CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust shared, “The Abilympics isn’t solely about showcasing skills; it’s a celebration of resilience, determination, and the incredible abilities that transcend limitations. India made history at the 10th International Abilympics in France in March 2023, securing 7 medals with a small 13-member team. Looking ahead, India aims to participate in larger numbers at the 2027 International Abilympics, Finland, continuing to highlight talent, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence. For the West Zone Regional rounds, hosting the event at the International Purple Fest 2024, adds an extra layer of excitement and global perspective to the competitions”. The international Abilympics competition held in France in 2023 saw 428 participants from 27 countries and India secured 7th position in the overall medals tally.
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) make up over 5% of the country’s population. It’s crucial to provide them with skill development opportunities for employment, self-respect, and independence. The National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), established in May 2001 by the Ministries of Social Justice & Empowerment and Human Resource Development, aims to facilitate India’s participation in international competitions like the Abilympics.
This inclusive event not only highlights the exceptional abilities of PwDs, but also serves as a platform for participants to demonstrate their talents on a regional, national and international stage. The vibrant cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat will be well-represented, showcasing the rich tapestry of skills from these regions, specially in the Crafts category.
The West Zone Abilympics 2024, is surely set to be an event where abilities take center stage, breaking barriers and redefining possibilities.