Sports

Bangalore: Sports meet organized by Dept of Welfare

Multiple disability has not discouraged eight–year–old SP Spoorthy from taking part in the running race. It is her favorite sport. In spite of partial visual impairment and being a special child, she tries to participate in all the running competitions. She also enjoys playing musical chair and throw ball.

Sunil Kumar K, who is hearing impaired, is an ardent sports lover too. His favorite sports are athletics and kabaddi. He has participated in several competitions and won prizes too. However, like most children, Sunil wants to become an engineer and considers sports as a hobby. They were among the 3,000 participants, who took part in the sports meet held for the disabled children.

It was organized by the Department of Welfare for the Disabled and Senior Citizens in association with various NGOs working for the physically challenged. Several events like throw ball, running race, shot put were held for the children between the age groups of 5 to 9. For most children it's the love for the game that has made them participate.

M Goutham, a special child, loves tennis ball throw and walking race. Like Sunil, he too has won many prizes in such events. Recently, he won a gold and a silver medal in walking race and tennis throw ball respectively.

Even as most participant were aiming at winning medals, Vendamma, a physically challenged girl, wanted to just participate in the games. Malathi Holla, a paraplegic sportswoman, said that children should be encouraged to participate in sports.

Source: Disability not a handicap, Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 29 November 2007.