Jamshedpur, Feb 7: The 12th annual athletics competition for students and children with disabilities was successfully organised by the Abhaya Banerjee Foundation at Sumant Mulgaonkar Stadium, Telco, on Sunday morning. The event began at 8:30 am and witnessed enthusiastic participation from special schools across the city.
The competition was formally inaugurated by Suresh Sonthalia, national secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders, who hoisted the flag. Ujjal Chakraborty, Executive in Chair, Tata Steel Tinplate Division, the chief guest, inaugurated the event virtually.
Addressing the gathering, Sonthalia praised the athletes, their parents, and school authorities for their efforts towards the all-round development of children with disabilities.
Around 120 students from nearly 10 special schools and institutions took part in the competition. These included Asha Kiran School, School of Hope, Siddheshwar Deaf and Dumb School, National Association for the Blind, PATH, DPS Chaibasa, Gyanodya Noble Academy, and Divya Jyoti Blind School.
The competition featured 25 events across four categories, including 25m, 50m, 75m and 100m races, long jump, shot put, tennis ball throw, softball throw, and passing the parcel. Winners of various events were felicitated by principals, Lions Club and Inner Wheel Club members, and social workers present on the occasion.
Participants from Telco-based Asha Kiran School and Siddheshwar Deaf and Dumb School emerged as the top performers, winning the maximum number of prizes. All other participants were also given certificates and gifts by the organising committee.
Dr Johar Banerjee, president of the foundation, welcomed the guests. The event was conducted by announcer Shyam Sharma, while a 14-member technical team led by S.K. Sharma and Subol Chatterjee ensured smooth conduct.
