It was a celebration of sports, courage and unwavering spirit as 250 differently-abled children gathered at the Khelgaon Sports Club, Agra, for a Sports Day that will be etched lifelong in their memory.
RC Agra Royal, RID 3110, joined hands with the Prayas Child Neuro Physio Centre to host this special event where the children ran, jumped, laughed and gave “their absolute best even as teachers and parents stood on the sidelines with gleaming pride and sometimes, tears rolling down their cheeks,” said Meera Gupta, president of the all-women’s club. The way the young participants embraced each sporting challenge with determination far beyond their age made this sports meet a one-of-its-kind in Agra, she said. “The event was arranged to boost the confidence of differently-abled children and bring them closer to the mainstream society.”
After a spirited display of their talent, Asha Special School led with 28 medals, followed by Tears Special School (25), and Alphonsa School (14) came third. “Each of the seven schools had its own heroes — children who pushed the envelope by stretching every nerve; some running their first race ever, and some winning despite limitations, while others just winning hearts.”
During the inauguration of the sports meet, deputy commissioner (Industries) Sonali Jindal lifted the mood of the special children with “encouraging words and reminded the audience that inclusivity must become part of everyday life.” DG Rajen Vidyarthi said the event looked like a “Kumbh Mela of sorts for the special children” and motivated the participants.
IPDG Neerav Agarwal, Meera, Prayas trustee Sandhya Gupta, Khelgaon Club trustees Umesh Gupta and Mukesh Gupta, and Rotarians from other clubs cheered the winners at the medal presentation ceremony. “More than a sports competition, the event is a poignant reminder that special children don’t need sympathy, but only opportunities. They need platforms to showcase what they are capable of, and given a chance, they don’t just participate, but shine,” added Meera.
HPV vaccination
So far in the current Rotary year, over 150 girls from government schools were vaccinated in a series of awareness campaigns against cervical cancer led by Prof Surabhi Mittal, HoD, Oncology S N Medical College, Agra, and the club’s past president Sangita Agarwal.
In one such vaccination camp at the Ramved Hospital, 60 girls at Ganeshram Nagar Saraswati Balika Vidya Mandir were given the third and final doses of HPV vaccine. In her address, Meera said “the cancer vaccination by the club will continue in future.”