Karnataka - Shimoga   

Their excitement knew no bounds

A day out: Special-needs children at the district-level sports meet in Shimoga on Tuesday.

SHIMOGA: Their joy and excitement knew no bounds. They ran, jumped and shouted joyfully.

Children with physical and mental disabilities vied with one another to prove their capacity to excel at the Shimoga district-level sports meet for special-needs children held at the Adichunchanagiri High School ground here on Tuesday.

The children proved with their impeccable performance that they could achieve anything if they were provided opportunities instead of mere lip sympathy or compassion.

While visually challenged children participated in events such as breaking earthen pots and 60-m run, mentally challenged children participated in events such as throwing a ball in a bucket and 50-m run. Physically challenged children participated in 50-m race, shot put and 100-m race on tricycles. Cultural programmes were also held for the participants. Shimoga Zilla Panchayat, in association with the Department of Women and Child Welfare, Indian Red Cross Society, District Physically Challenged Persons’ Welfare Association and other voluntary organisations had organised the sports meet.

Prasannanath Swamiji of the local branch of the Adichunchanagiri Math inaugurated the sports meet. Psychiatrist K.A. Ashok Pai, president of the Asha Kiran Residential School for the Mentally Challenged Children presided over the programme.

Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Welfare V. Vasudev, secretary of the Shimoga district unit of the Indian Red Cross Society Edward Pinto and president of the Happy Home School for Special Children Irene Karkada were present.

Earlier, a colourful march-past was taken out by the children.

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