New Delhi, December 16, 2023: The North Zone Regional Abilympics, orchestrated by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), concluded with the participation of approximately 100 individuals with disabilities hailing fromdifferent Northern States like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi NCR.
NAAI has started the next cycle for the selections for the 11th International Abilympics (2027), to be held in Finland. Participants at the regional level competed in 15 skill categories, under ICT, Crafts, Food and Services.22 outstanding participants who excelled in different skills, wonthe Gold, Silver,and Bronze medals. Abilympics are specially designed to identify the best talent amongst the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) community, for participation in national and international competitions at a later stage.
The two-day event was a collaborative effort of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability (DePwD), the National Abilympic Association of India(NAAI) and Sarthak Educational Trust. The competitions were organized on December 8 and 9, 2023 in Gurugram, Haryana on the sidelines of the 10th National Conference on Disability at the newly launched Global Resource Centre (GRC) in Sector 45, Gurugram which was formally inaugurated by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon'ble Vice-President of India.
The gold medalists from the North Zone included Ram Raghubir Mishra (Lucknow, UP) for 'Painting', Ankita Katnorya (Delhi) for 'Waste Reuse', Vanita (Dehradun) for 'Floral Arrangement', NaserulGaffar Sheikh (Jammu & Kashmir) for 'Embroidery', and Aman Sahu (Gwalior) for 'Cooking'.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General (NAAI) and founderCEO, Sarthak Educational Trust shared, "The Abilympics isn't solely about showcasing skills; it's a celebration of resilience, determination, and the incredible abilities that transcend limitations. India made history at the 10thInternational Abilympics in France, securing 7 medals with a small 13-member team. Looking ahead, India aims to participate in larger numbers at the 2027 International Abilympics, continuing to highlight talent, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence."
The international competition saw 428 participants from 27 countries and Indiasecured 7thposition in the overall medals tally.
PwDs constitute over 5% of the total country’s population and there is a need to reach out to them to give them opportunities to work and earn self-respect by training or learning skills to earn a livelihood. Skill development not only opens doors to employment but also boosts self-confidence and independence among PwDs. Financial empowerment, on the other hand, provides them with the tools to lead self-sustaining lives.
NAAI came into existence in May 2001, at the behest of the Ministries of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) and Human Resource Development (HRD), Government of India, NAAI was launched to organize India’s participation in the 6thAbilympics which were held in New Delhi in 2003 and in the subsequent international competitions. NAAI has since then expanded across India, spreading the Abilympics movement around the country.
Chief Guest, Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), GOI, while addressing the Divyangjan present shared "Focus on potential & achievements for a dignified life. Pick up Education, Vocational Stream or Entrepreneurship and take it up. More jobs will be open in Pvt Sector in times to come due to reservation".
The West Zone Regional Abilympics Skill competitions to be held in Panaji, Goa is scheduled on January 11 and 12, 2024 on the sidelines of the International Purple Fest, Goa-2024, India’s first-of-its-kind inclusive festival that celebrates persons with disabilities.
