A delegation of 280 members from India, including 198 athletes, has left for Berlin to participate in the Special Olympics World Games, according to an official statement released by the federal Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The nine-day event, which will commence on June 17, will see the Indian participants competing in 16 sports.
The Sports Ministry has allocated INR 77 million (around $940,000 USD) towards India’s participation in the games. The Indian delegation has been preparing tirelessly for the event, hoping to bring home a haul of medals.
The Special Olympics World Games aim to provide a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The event was established in 1968 and has since become the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with more than 5 million athletes competing in more than 190 countries.
The Indian athletes will be taking part in events such as basketball, cycling, aquatics, bocce, powerlifting, and roller skating, among others. The Special Olympics will also provide a chance for participants to make new friends, experience different cultures, and build self-confidence.
The Indian delegation includes a mix of young and experienced athletes, with some participants having previously won medals at international sporting events. The Special Olympics provides an opportunity for athletes to showcase their talent and prove that intellectual disability is no barrier to success.
The Indian government has been supportive of the Special Olympics, recognizing the importance of promoting inclusivity and providing equal opportunities to all citizens. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports hopes that India’s participation in the games will inspire others and lead to greater inclusivity and equality for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
