Disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty and this relationship is even acute in developing nations. 98% of children with disabilities from the developing nations does not get access to education. Persons with disabilities still face stigma, discriminatory attitudes, disempowerment and social and economic marginalisation. The cost of this exclusion is enormous in terms of lost opportunities and poor quality of life for individuals and their families.
The universal popularity of Sport, its physical, social and economic development benefits makes it an ideal tool for reducing the stigma associated with disability. Sport changes community’s perceptions of persons with disabilities by focusing attention on their abilities.
MI hosted an ‘Interschool Athletic Meet for Children with Physical Disabilities’ on 23rd June, 2016 at Kittur Rani Chenamma Stadium, Bangalore. The program was conducted in collaboration with the TCS Digital Enterprise Unit as part of their Para Vista initiative to promote Para Sports at Grassroot level for PwDs. Karnataka Welfare Association Board and Samarthanam Trust actively supported towards making the program a grand success.
78 Children with Disabilities from the community projects of MI exhibited their talents in the Shot Put, Javelin Throw and 100 Meter Race arranged as a part of the event. The children were sportive and active throughout the event and seeing the children enjoying to the fullest made the parents very happy.
Addressing the gathering Ms Albina Shankar, Director, MI mentioned “There are no winners or losers. Everyone who participated despite of their disability is a winner”.
Mr Vineet Tripathi, Delivery Centre Head of Digital Enterprise Unit of TCS Bangalore expressed his happiness on successful conduct of this event. He reiterated his commitment to continue supporting such events.