Shimla: National Winter Games for ‘Taraee Zameen Par’ special children was declared open by governor VS Kokje at Bishop Cotton School, today.
Speaking on the occasion Kokje asked more people to come forward and promote activities for people with disabilities so as to ensure their active participation. He said that special persons should be helped in bringing out their abilities and removing their disabilities.
Lauding the efforts of Special Olympics Bharat in organizing sports activities for them he said that such events provided a useful forum for these special children to exhibit their talent and helping them to realizing their potential and build self-confidence. He said that it was a healthy sign that the society was promoting activities for special children.
Governor said that special children of the country had done quite well in Special Olympics and won many medals in the past. He complimented the children for their performance and said that they showed their inner strength in making a mark by overcoming disability.
Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, Chairman, Special Olympics Bharat said that special children should be accepted and respected in the society. He said that their abilities should be recognized and people need to share the gift of life they have. He said that Special Olympics Bharat would reach out to the rural areas in coming time and one part time coordinator for each district was being envisaged.
Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson Special Olympics Himachal Pradesh while welcoming the Chief Guest said that Special Olympics was a mass movement. She said that about 750 athletes from 21 States were participating in the National Winter Games for Special Children. She said that the participants would take part in the discipline of Floor Hockey at BCS, Shimla and Skiing, Snow Board and Snow Showing at Narkanda. She said that National team for Special Olympics World Winter Games-2009 to be held in USA next year would be selected on the basis of performance in the National Winter Games Championship.
A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
