Pics: Spoorthy Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Mar 28: Special Olympics Bharat, National Sports Federation and Union ministry of youth affairs and sports accredited the Special Olympics Bharat - Karnataka. This is a sports event for the specially-abled. To celebrate this achievement, officials of Karnataka State Association for special educators and supportive staff, Bengaluru organized a felicitation programme here at Town Hall on Monday March 28.

The felicitation programme formally began with the lighting of the lamp by the city's south MLA, J R Lobo along with other dignitaries on the dais.

Addressing the gathering, J R Lobo said, "Organizing sports for children is very common. But organizing sports for specially-abled is not an easy job. It requires concern and efforts. There are many institutions in the district serving these children. I appreciate the efforts of such organizations which serve such causes. The special schools run by the various institutions of Dakshina Kannada district work well compared to other districts. If the good work is continued, the government will recognize your efforts and provide assistance. By serving the specially abled children, we can spread the message that we are committed to bringing these children to the mainstream. I congratulate the new office bearers."

Deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim said, "Sports is a way to engage the specially abled children in some activity. It is a way of getting them involved in the outside world. By conducting such activities it will help them to feel good mentally as well as physically. This will also help in eliminating their inferiority complex, thereby increasing their confidence. In our society today, everything is counted on the lines of wealth. I urge the new office bearers to work with love and affection. Work to the best of your abilities in obtaining the benefits from the district administration and government. If the right channels are used, it is not difficult to procure benefits or aide from the government for the betterment of these children. On behalf of the district administration, I assure to lend Mangala Stadium free of cost for sports activities whenever organized."

Special Olympics Bharat- Karnataka new office bearers Vasanth Kumar Shetty, area director, Jagadeesh Shetty, treasurer, Mahabala Maarla, vice president, Fr Francis, vice president, Amarendra Anjanappa, state sports director, Mahesh Kumar, state technical director, Maria Shruthi A C, expert in M R, Mohammed Basheer, family committee president, Dhanraj, athlete and Yashodhamma, state training in charge were honored on the occasion.

Nartional awardee Archana was felicitated on the occassion.

A Sadananda Shetty, chairman of Shree Devi Institutions and others were present at the programme.