Ridit Shrimal with his sister | photo credit: special arrangement
Ridit Shrimal is a source of happiness to his parents. As the 12-year-old puts together her swimwear collection, her curiosity is evident. He is all set to participate in the swimming competition at the Down Syndrome National Games. To be held in Hyderabad.
This three-day sports meet for persons with Down syndrome was conceptualized by Rekha Ramachandran, Founder, Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI) in association with Nai Disha and Parents Association of Down Syndrome (PADSH, Hyderabad).
From March 17 to March 23, the sports meet will have events like swimming, roller skating, shot put and athletics.
“Sports help to overcome anxiety with physical health in persons with Down syndrome. Rekha aims to organize National Games on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March and provide a platform to showcase their sporting skills. The idea is,” says Suhani Tanna, manager of the Nai Disha Resource Center in Hyderabad. Special Olympics held once in two years provide a platform for people with different disabilities but such sports platforms need to create more opportunities and it is expected to fill the Down syndrome national sports gap and bring awareness does.
The objective of the DFSI Sports Meet is to provide a platform to around 100 registered participants from across India to boost their morale and help them progress to the next level in their chosen sports field.
V Chinmay Chowdhary | photo credit: special arrangement
This event has brought a ray of hope for the parents. Ridit’s mother Rakhi Shrimal says, “Initially we found it difficult to accept his physical shortcomings, but now he is a source of immense joy to us and is no different from our other two children. ,
Vankayalapati Ravi and Saujanya are proud parents of 10-year-old V Chinmoy Chowdhary who is participating in athletics. Saujanya says, “He has an affectionate smile and makes everyone happy with his actions.”
Doctors from Fernandez Child Development Center and an ambulance will be on standby in case of emergency during the event.
Inaugural on March 17, sports meet to be held at RRC Sports Ground, Secunderabad on March 18 and 19; entrance fees .
