Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 21 July 2024
As part of the World Youth Skills Day 2024 celebrations, the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with Hope Foundation, Port Blair, hosted an Inclusive Sports Day. The event aimed at empowering and showcasing the talents of disabled youth in the region.
Held at the CRC A&N Islands in Brookshabad, the event brought together young athletes with disabilities from various backgrounds to participate in a range of sporting activities, including running, carom, and softball throw. These activities were specially designed to accommodate their unique needs. The Inclusive Sports Day highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for disabled youth to develop their skills and build self-confidence.
Mr. Dipankar Subba, Chief Manager of State Bank of India, Mohanpura, served as the chief guest, while Ms. Faridha, Secretary-cum-Director of Hope Foundation, was the guest of honor. Both emphasized the significance of the event, with Subba stating, “Inclusive sports play a crucial role in the holistic development of young individuals with disabilities.”
Ms. Sumithamol, Director of CRC A&N Islands, delivered the keynote address and administered a pledge on ‘Swachta Pakwada’.
The event featured wheelchair basketball, adaptive track and field events, and a unified relay race where disabled and non-disabled participants teamed up to promote inclusion and teamwork. The enthusiasm and determination of the participants, along with the support from parents and other attendees, created an atmosphere of unity and encouragement. In addition to the sporting events, the day included a session on various opportunities available at CRC A&N Islands for the skill development of Divyangjan in the region, presented by Ms. Yogavathi Muthu, Special Educator-cum-Orientation & Mobility Instructor at CRC A&N Islands.
Earlier, Mr. Biswajit Roy, Administrative Officer, welcomed the gathering. Approximately 74 Divyangjan, parents, and caretakers participated in the event.