Jammu: As many as 271 special athletes and 68 coaches took part in three-day State-level sports event, organised by Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) J and K Chapter for disabled at Youth Hostel, Nagrota near here on Tuesday.
Special athletes from Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Udhmapur and Jammu Districts excelling in district events are participating in State games which were inaugurated by Dy. Inspector General of Police, Ashkoor Ahmed Wani.
He said that this initiative by SOB under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) deserves all commendations for providing wide range of opportunities to explore the hidden talent of persons with disabilities through the medium of sports. The Chief Guest offered floral tributes and also lighted ceremonial lamp before founder special Olympus international Eunice Shriver Kennedy as a token of respect.
Director General Sports J and K Sheikh Fayaz Ahmed also blessed for the successful conduct of State level sports events for the persons with disabilities.
Jai Dev Dada, Chief Sewa Bharati J and K inspired
the athletes during the events in the ground. Dr D.R Kapoor, Former Municipal Commissioner Jammu was the Guest of Honour and Shiv Kumar Sharma Joint Secretary J and K Sports Council also blessed the special athletes in the inaugural ceremony. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were G.R Bhagat Former Deputy Commissioner, Dr Amit Sharma, Dy SP, Ranu Kundal, Dy SP, District Sports Officer Dr S.S Chib, Dr Sanjiv Vaid, Zonal Chairman, Rotract, Adeep Mehta, Zonal Chairman Literacy, Anil Sawaraj, Secretary Rotary Club, Raj Bharti, programmes also entertained the participants by renowned TV and Radio artists as Mahesh Kotwal, Suraj Sharma, Avtar Kour, Santosh Bandral and Taniya.
The district coordinators who coordinated amongst all districts were Dr Khemraj Sharma, Samba, Tara Chand Sharma, Udhmapur, Rakesh Kumar, Reasi, Sunil Sharma, Kathua and Gurmeet Singh.
The events conducted in the ground are boccee, badminton, wheel chair race, softball throw, 100 mtr race, 50 mtr race, zig-zag dribbling, run and kick and shooting.
Ashwani Jojra, State President, SOB J and K Chapter presented welcome and keynote address and Raj Kumar Sharma presented vote of thanks.
Jatin Chanjotra Programme Manager, Dr M.L Rana BMO Sohanjan and Clinical Director Health promotion SOB J and K conducted the proceedings of programme, Kamaljeet Kour Sports Incharge conducted all events in the ground.