Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: As many as 309 special athletes along with 67 coaches, attendants and volunteers took part in state-level sports event that came to a close here on Tuesday.
The 3-day event that was held under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) was inaugurated on April 22 by a visually impaired athlete, Rajjo Devi from remote area of district Doda. She is also brand a ambassador of Special Olympics Bharat Doda.
The venue was filled with enthusiastic people who were eager to take part in a host of competitions in various games such as bocce, 200 mist 100 mts, 50 mts race, long jump, volley ball, foot ball, wheel chair race, zig zag dribbling, bad-minton, cultural programmes and soft ball.
On the occasion, Deputy Director Central, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Haji Mirja Hussain was the chief guest. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ranu Kundal presided over the function whereas district coordinator SSA- district Doda, Kismat Singh was the special guest.
Appreciating the talent of special athletes, Haji Mirja Hussain said: “Such sports events holds a great significance he lives of children with special care. These opportunities are similar to a full moon in their otherwise dark lives.”
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ranu Kundal, who presided over the valedictory function, in her presidential address said, “Such platforms make them feel important and happy. The special smiles on the faces of differently abled sports persons while getting t-shirts, medals and certificates of merit are real indicators that they are really amazed and happy from the core of their hearts.”
President Special Olympics Bharat J&K, Dr. Ashwani Jojra presented welcome address.
Vote of thanks was presented by State Sports Director, Special Olympics Bharat J&K, Raj Kumar Sharma who also conducted all sports events under his technical guidance.
Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion included district president District Special Olympics Association Leh, Tresing Angmo, district coordinator Special Olympics Bharat Doda, Rakesh Kumar Chouhan and Padmalaya Tsoma from Kargil.
Prizes were given away to the winners of the events.