Close to 250 children with intellectual disabilities from 15 schools in and around Coimbatore and around 100 adult para-athletes are participating in this grand event. Another initiative at the Coimbatore Vizha 2023, is the Journey for Peace (Orumai Payanam) through which 105 students from 26 schools in Coimbatore are being taken to various places of worship in the city to educate and inculcate the importance of understanding and respecting all religions.
Coimbatore: Over 300 differently-abled persons showcased their talent in the second edition of Special Sports and Parasports, a marquee event of the 15th edition of 'Coimbatore Vizha 2023.' Special Sports and Parasports was held on Wednesday, January 4th at Hindusthan College of Arts and Science.
Coimbatore District Collector Dr. G S Sameeran and Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Commissioner M Prathap were the Chief Guests at the Sports Fest for the differently-abled.
Close to 250 children with intellectual disabilities from 15 schools in and around Coimbatore and around 100 adult para-athletes are participating in this grand event.
Addressing the gathering, M Prathap, Commissioner of Coimbatore Corporation said, "I see this event as a small step to inspire more differently-abled sports persons take part in the Paralympics in the future. Not just for participation, but you should all dream to win medals," exhorted the CCMC Commissioner.
Dr. G S Sameeran, Coimbatore District Collector said, "Coimbatore is becoming a differently-abled friendly district, and initiatives such as this Special Sports and Parasports event is nurturing this change. The Government is taking steps to make sure that the differently-abled are given care and support. Our Chief Minister has the Department for the Welfare of Differently-abled Persons portfolio, and he is very focused on improving their lives."
Around 12 events (from simple games to athletic games) are being held for kids aged 5 to 18 during the sports fest. On the adults' side, five sports events like Para Volley-Ball, Para Basketball, Fencing, Power Lifting, and Archery are held.
Differently-abled children from schools (including Government-aided schools) are taking part in the sports event. Around 12 children who cannot attend schools due to their disabilities have been brought to take part in this sports fest for differently-abled persons.
The organizing team from Coimbatore Vizha has arranged transport facilities for almost 10 out of the 15 schools that are participating in the event.
Another initiative at the Coimbatore Vizha 2023, the Journey for Peace (Orumai Payanam) is an earnest endeavor to take 105 students from 26 schools in Coimbatore to various places of worship in and around Coimbatore city to educate and inculcate the importance of understanding and respecting all religions, which in turn will lead to the realization that such diverse religious beliefs and practices contribute to unity and harmony.
The journey began at 9 am on Wednesday at Konniamman Temple and proceeded to St. Michael's Cathedral, Athar Jamad Masjid near Town Hall, and then to Jain Temple in R S Puram and Gurudwara Singh Sabha. Throughout their journey to these holy places of worship, the students were welcomed according to each of the religion's customs, and the spiritual leaders of the respective faiths shared the principles they follow and their way of worship.
The journey culminated in an inter-faith prayer meet at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Podanur, a solemn abode to venerate unity in diversity.
Coimbatore District Collector Dr. G S Sameeran, CCMC Commissioner M Prathap, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner V Balakrishnan were Chief Guests at the event.