Olympics for the differently abled

DOING THINGS with a difference is apparently easy for differently abled persons. Or should we say, doing it their own way?

It's Abilympics time again - Olympiad for disabled persons. India's bid to host the 6th International Abilympics at New Delhi was unanimously accepted, they tell us. Which is a feather in the Indian cap alright, but even before the mega event, there is a national sporting event we have to get past - the National Abilympics meet 2002, once again in Delhi. The news is that the regional Abilympics for the southern States will be organised in Chennai from October 12-14, this year. That is something the sporting enthusiasts have to get ready for.

The events include occupational skills (for ages 15 years and above) like computer programming, poster designing, painting with water color, cake decoration, dress making, leisure and living skills such as hand knitting, embroidery, waste reuse. Activities for children between ages 8-15 years include greeting card designing, lego, jigsaw puzzle, origami, plasticine modelling and cartooning.

Those who wish to participate in the regional, national and international events can approach the South Zone office of the National Federation of Abilympics, Vidya Sagar, 1, Ranjit Road, Kotturpuram, Chennai 600 085.

The organisers call upon the governmental and non- governmental organisations working in the field of disability to spread awareness and motivate the differently abled persons to participate in the programme. Companies can also chip in by sponsoring their employees to participate in the programme.

And why not, considering the sterling performance of the country in the last International Olympics at Prague, Czech Republic last year. Indians bagged three gold and three bronze medal, a special certificate for excellence and three fourth prizes. As the organisers say, join and let your latent talents flower. Seize the day and flower away...

By Ramya Kannan

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