2nd October 2023 documented a landmark victory for Gwalior, a historically renowned city located in Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister, Narendra Modiji inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports. He was joined by Dr Virender Kumar, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Approx 70 SO Bharat Athletes were part of over 130 Athletes with disabilities, who were from Paralympics and Deaflympics etc as well. The Special Olympics Athletes enlivened the stadium playing, Bocce, 5-a-side football, Badminton, Table Tennis and, Swimming. The stadium would provide sporting facilities for seven sports to begin with, including Athletics and Judo to the mentioned sports.
The Social Justice Minister announced support for sports participation of 208 Athletes with Disabilities all-round the year. 10-12 Coaches will be appointed by the Government who will be assisted by approx. 6-7 Special Olympics Coaches. A coaches training by Special Olympics will be conducted for the Govt appointed Coaches in due course.
Speaking on the occasion Dipankar Banerjee, Area Director of SO Bharat – Madhya Pradesh said, “I am grateful for the support extended by our hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Modiji towards sports for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities)”. The inauguration marks a significant step towards providing sports as a tool for development and Inclusion, he said.
In conjunction with the mission of Special Olympics, he said we will be able to provide ‘year – round’ sports training through world class facilities. He continued to discuss his plans of gradually training & inducting Athlete leaders as assistant coaches.
The team of Madhya Pradesh continues to be engaged in suitable discussions with relevant stakeholders to incorporate aspects, that would specifically smoothen the experience for persons with intellectual disabilities, making the stadium all-inclusive and totally barrier-free.
