New Delhi, January 17, 2024: The West Zone Regional Abilympics, organized by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), successfully concluded in Goa with the participation of 250+ individuals with disabilities from cities in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. The event included competitions in 15 skill categories under ICT, Crafts, Food, and Services, with 27 participants awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
The two-day event, part of the International Purple Fest organized by the Office of The Disability Commissioner, Govt. of Goa, witnessed participants competing in various skills, aiming to identify talent within the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) community for national and international competitions.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category saw 63 participants, Crafts had 113 PwD participants, Hospitality had 55 skilled individuals, and Services showcased 27 Persons with Disabilities excelling during the competition.
Gold Medalists included Akash Kshirsagar for 'Waste Reuse,' Priyanka Dabade for 'Embroidery,' Manoj Gopal Bhingare for 'Painting,' Bhagyashri for 'Dress Making,' Amol Karande for 'Photography-Outdoor,' Bharti Rameshbhai Rana for 'Floral Arrangement,' PritiDilipradPohekar for 'Word Processing,' and more.
The awards ceremony held on January 13th was attended by various dignitaries, including Shri Rajesh Phaldessai, Hon'ble MLA Combuarjua, Goa; Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD (GoI); Shri Rajaesh Yadav, Joint Secretary, DEPeD, GoI; Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Disability Commissioner, Goa; Shri Taha Hazziq, Secretary, Office of Disability Commissioner, Goa, and others.
India now aims to increase participation in the 2027 International Abilympics, Finland. The event not only highlights the exceptional abilities of PwDs but also serves as a platform for participants to demonstrate their talents on regional, national, and international stages.
Dr. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat, who was the Chief Guest, said “We must promote greater inclusion in society for all people with disabilities, fostering acceptance, respect, and active participation. Together, let's collaborate to empower them as valuable members, ensuring they live with dignity, recognizing their abilities, and providing the support they deserve.’
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General, National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and Founder & CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust shared, “The Abilympicsi are not solely about showcasing skills; it’s a celebration of resilience, determination and the incredible abilities that transcend limitations amongst PwDs. India made history at the 10th International Abilympics in France in March 2023, securing 7 medals with a small 13-member team. Looking ahead, The international Abilympics competition held in France in 2023 saw 428 participants from 27 countries and India secured 7th position in the overall medals tally.”
With Persons with Disabilities making up over 5% of the country's population, initiatives like the NAAI Abilympics become crucial for providing skill development opportunities, promoting employment, self-respect, and independence. The NAAI, established in May 2001, aims to facilitate India's participation in international competitions like the Abilympics. The West Zone Abilympics 2024 showcased the abilities of individuals, breaking barriers, and redefining possibilities.
