Talent aplenty at Punjab State Special Olympics

Mehak Kaur Narwal

Patiala, October 6

The three-day 20th Punjab State Special Olympics concluded at the Government College of Physical Education here on Friday. 

The event served as a platform for hundreds of special children across the state. 

For Sukham, mother of Ishwinder Singh who participated in the athletics events, Special Olympics was a home for her son where hundreds of special children were able to exhibit their talent and potentials in country which was ill-prepared to handle the fast-growing developmental disability. “However, my son is 20 years old and is suffering from Down Syndrome which means that he was born with an extra chromosome. This special and unique trait gave him various      gifts and wonderful qualities,” said Sukham.

She said, “My son is fond of physical activities and he has the gift of athleticism. He has competed in the Asia-Pacific Special Olympics 2013, Australia, where he won a bronze medal in the 100-m race and secured the fourth position in the 200-m race.” She said her son was an avid badminton and table-tennis player and has participated in various Special National Tournaments. “Sports has inculcated emotional and physical discipline as well as a sense of responsibility in my son.”

Navjot, another participant who is suffering from cerebral palsy, has won the silver medal in the 200-m race in the ongoing 20th Punjab State Special Olympics. Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders, including poor coordination, vision, hearing, weak muscles that appear in early childhood. For now, he paints, writes, dances for fun and also holds a blue belt in martial arts.

Navjot’s teacher said, “In sport, your first competitor is you and this helps bring out the best in you. Sport allows us to define success at an individual level.”