MANGAN, (IPR): The District Level Special Olympic Games 2024 was held at Mangan
Senior Secondary School today.
The event
was organised by Special Olympics Bharat, Sikkim Chapter in collaboration with
Education department and Sports & Youth Affairs department, Government of
Sikkim. The aim of the event was to provide a platform for differently-abled
individuals to showcase their talents, participate in various sports and
promote inclusivity within the community.
Zilla
Adhyakshya Kado Lepcha attended the event as the chief guest. Accompanying him
were Anant Jain DC Mangan, David Gyamptso Lingdong CEO Education, Janim Lepcha
joint director Sports & Youth Affairs department, Tempo Tashi Bhutia MEO
Mangan North Panchayat, Karma Dorjee deputy director DDMA North, Sherap Bhutia
Panchayat President Ringhem Nampatang, Mothi Tamang ward panchayat, staff
members from Special Olympics Bharat Sikkim Chapter, Sports & Youth Affairs
department, Education department and various students and their parents.
The event
began with a welcome speech by Kuber Sharma, president of Special Olympics
Bharat, Sikkim Chapter. He welcomed all attendees and provided an overview of
Special Olympics Bharat and its mission. He emphasised the importance of
encouraging differently-abled individuals to participate in sports, thereby
fostering their confidence and social inclusion. He also announced that the
State Level Special Olympic Games will be held on February 21, 2025 and thanked
everybody for attending the event. He further acknowledged the efforts of the
CEO of Education department David Gyamptso Lingdong and the Mangan Senior
Secondary School principal Karma Tempo, for their coordination and support in
providing the venue.
The
programme commenced with the lighting of the District SOB Torch by the chief guest
Kado Lepcha, symbolising the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.
The chief
guest thanked the organisers for hosting such an impactful event in the
district and noted that this was the first such event he had witnessed during
his tenure. He emphasised the importance of upholding the rights of
differently-abled individuals and wished all the participants the best in their
future sports endeavors. He concluded his speech with warm New Year greetings,
wishing everyone a prosperous year ahead.
After the
games, DC Anant Jain addressed the gathering. He expressed gratitude to the
organisers for holding such a meaningful event, highlighting its importance for
the differently-abled community. He stressed that programmes like this are not
only about sports but are also essential for social integration. He encouraged
the community to embrace and motivate individuals with disabilities,
recognizing their rights and potential.
The games
featured a variety of competitions, with for students, some of which included:
1. Bocce -
A national sport for Special Olympics participants.
2. 50
Meter Race - A track event aimed at testing speed and agility.
3. Shot
Put - A field event challenging strength and coordination.
The
athletes gave their best performances, displaying immense dedication and
courage in each event.
Medals and
certificates were distributed to all participants. Each athlete was recognised
for their efforts and achievements, highlighting the importance of
participation over competition.
