Special Olympics Bharat organises National Athletics Championship


New Delhi, March 13 (IANS): Special Olympics Bharat, in partnership with WWE and NDMC, Thursday kicked off the National Athletics Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Participating in the three-day event March 13-15 are around 650 athletes, 150 coaches and 150 volunteers from 26 states.

The opening ceremony took place with NDMC chairman Jalaj Srivastava as the chief guest.

Prior to the ceremony, a Torch run was organised from the NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) head office at Sansad Marg to the Central Park in Connaught Place with Jalaj Srivastava addressing the participants.

All guests at the opening ceremony were welcomed by Kartikay Saini, chairman Scottish High International School and Advisory Trustee Special Olympics Bharat.

Assistant coaches Sanjay Seth and Patrick (both with mild intellectual disabilities) took the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

A cultural programme performed by groups of children with and without disabilities was followed by a Taekwondo demo-cum-interactive session, led by Grandmaster Lee. During the rest of the day, preliminary round assessment of athletes in various track and field events was conducted.

  

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  • Syed Shahbaaz Ahmad, Patna, New Patliputra Colony

    Sun, Dec 28 2025

    Special Olympics Bharat stands as a powerful reminder that true inclusion is not about sympathy, but about opportunity, dignity, and belief in human potential. As the national body for Special Olympics in India, it works tirelessly to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power of sports. What sets Special Olympics Bharat apart is its holistic approach. Beyond competitions and medals, it focuses on building confidence, improving physical and mental well-being, and nurturing life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. For many athletes, participation becomes a turning point, helping them discover their strengths, develop discipline, and gain a sense of independence and self-worth. The organization’s impact is deeply rooted at the grassroots level. Through year-round training programs, school partnerships, community engagement, and health initiatives, Special Olympics Bharat reaches individuals who are often overlooked by mainstream systems. Coaches, volunteers, families, and supporters form a strong ecosystem that ensures athletes are not just trained, but truly supported. On national and international platforms, Special Olympics Bharat athletes represent more than sporting excellence. They embody resilience, determination, and the idea that ability is far broader than conventional definitions allow. Each performance challenges stereotypes and inspires society to look at inclusion not as an obligation, but as a shared responsibility. Special Olympics Bharat is not just creating athletes; it is shaping confident individuals and building a more compassionate, inclusive India—one where everyone is given the chance to shine. By fostering awareness, acceptance, and empathy, Special Olympics Bharat bridges gaps between communities and abilities. Its work reminds us that when society invests in inclusion, everyone benefits—and sport becomes a language of unity, respect, and hope.

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Title: Special Olympics Bharat organises National Athletics Championship



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