The second State Level Special Olympics for children with special needs under inclusive education was held on Tuesday at Guards Ground in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
This was informed through an official press release.
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The event was organized by Samagra Shiksha under Human Resources Development department and the main objective of providing a platform and opportunity to the special children to enhance their talents as well as mainstreaming them and bringing awareness on the need to organize such events amongst the public.
The theme of the Special Olympics was, ‘My disability has opened my eyes to see my abilities’.
The programme was graced by state sports minister R B Subba, deputy mayor Lashey Doma accompanied by HRD state project director Bhim Thatal, social welfare joint commissioner (person with disability) Dr M B Chettri, Indian Cricket Association for blind vice president Vivek Kumar Singh, coach from Jharkhand, Raj Kumar Singh, officials, teachers and children with special needs from various districts.
Speaking at the event, minister R B Subba highlighted the importance and benefits of hosting the special Olympics for children with special needs and expressed his gratitude to Samagra Shiksha team for coming up with such a beneficial programme.
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He said the State government is ready to help in every possible manner and he was highly inspired to see children doing such great work despite their challenges.
The minister further thanked the parents and teachers for giving special care, attention and support to students so that they nurture their dreams and create a niche for themselves in the society despite challenges and hardships.
Subba said, “The talent of children with special needs are equivalent to other children. Every one of you present here have the spirit to excel, therefore you must keep your spirit alive throughout your life.”
Additional chief secretary G P Upadhyaya gave his best wishes to the children and thanked the Samagra Shiksha for organising the event.
He hoped that such events would help the children in their overall development and further encourage them to give their best for their coming future.
Vivek Kumar Singh thanked the State government for giving such an immense platform to the children with special needs.
He also mentioned that if the State government permits, the association will establish a centre in the State and nurture the cricket talents of these special children.
Various sporting events like football, sprint run and cricket for blind were held during the day and it is to be mentioned here that this is the first time in the State that cricket for blind students was organised.
The event concluded with distribution of certificates and trophies to the winners and participants as well as mementos to the guests, the release added.