The Air Force hopes the Paralympics will boost the children's confidence.
The Indian Air Force is committed to boosting the confidence of differently abled children and is organising a Paralympics event for them in New Delhi. The Western Air Command in the capital will be the venue, and will host a multitude of events ranging from track & field games, to bocce, table tennis, shot put, badminton, roller skating, archery, and football.
According to Devika Harikumar, the President of the WAC Air Force Wives Welfare Association, there is a big difference, in the way differently abled children are treated in India and abroad, She adds that these children require specialised opportunities and infrastructure, something we still do not provide.
The goal of the event is to foster a feeling of social well-being among the children, groom and train them to take care of their daily needs, assist in developing their motor skills, and, regarding the bigger picture—train them to participate in national and international level paralympic games. Maybe, one day they can represent India too, as these athletes have.
The IAF wants to ensure that the event is a success, and according to IAF officers, once the first event is held at the command level, subsequent ones could be held throughout the country, for children from all across the service.
You may also like:- Meet Blind Athlete Ankur Dhama, One of India’s Foremost Medal Hopes at the Rio Paralympics
Harikumar is optimistic and said she would leave no stone unturned in making sure the event becomes a regular feature. She wishes that the children get motivated, and take sports seriously, as it will help in their personal development, and bring them name and fame in the national and international arena.
Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!
