Jindal Steel and Power Limited
New Delhi [India], November 19: A moment of pride and inspiration unfolded at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex as India hosted the first-ever Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce & Bowling Competition. This historic event celebrates the abilities, resilience, and spirit of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Supported by Jindal Steel, the competition, running until November 22, brings together 81 exceptional athletes from 12 nations, showcasing their talents in Bocce and Bowling. Notably, this marks Bowling's competitive debut in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and a strong advocate for inclusivity, expressed his admiration for the participants:
"Today, we celebrate not only the inauguration of this competition but also the dedication and perseverance of these young athletes. As Swami Vivekananda said, 'Believe in yourself, and the world will be at your feet.' These remarkable individuals inspire us with their courage and remind us that true strength lies in overcoming challenges with grace."
The event's opening ceremony was graced by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Chief Guest, alongside Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. A vibrant display of cultural diversity, including a ceremonial march-past by participating nations, set the tone for a memorable celebration.
Mallika Nadda, Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat, highlighted the profound impact of the event:
"This is not just about medals--it's about creating a world where every individual is valued, celebrated, and given a platform to shine."
The event also welcomed Sudesh Dhankhar, Minister of State for Social Welfare (Uttar Pradesh) Asim Arun, Deepak Natani, BG Choudhary, Aruna Oswal, and other dignitaries, who applauded the athletes for their outstanding achievements.
This landmark competition stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports in fostering inclusion and harmony. Through the indomitable spirit of these athletes, the event showcases how society thrives when it uplifts and empowers every individual, inspiring a vision of a truly inclusive future.
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