Thousands of participants gathered in New Delhi on Saturday to show solidarity and support for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of the RUN FOR INCLUSION, organised by Special Olympics Bharat (SO Bharat). With over 7,000 people from 150 educational institutions and various organisations across Delhi NCR, the event celebrated inclusivity through sports, leading up to the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition set to begin on 18 November at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi.
Flagging off the event at the Central Civil Service Ground in Chanakyapuri, Chief Guest Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, joined Dr Mallika Nadda, President of SO Bharat, and Members of Parliament Manoj Tiwari and Bansuri Swaraj in an enthusiastic display of unity. Alongside them, former cricketers Atul Wassan, Nikhil Chopra, and cricket coach Gursharan Singh added their presence to this memorable occasion. The event saw around 1,000 special athletes join the broader public, highlighting the theme of “Each One, Reach One,” which underscored the message of inclusion and community.
Minister Harsh Malhotra commended SO Bharat’s efforts, stating, “This initiative reflects our society’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring specially-abled children hold their rightful place within it. This aligns seamlessly with the ‘Fit India’ vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which emphasises a healthier, stronger society. I congratulate the organisers of the Run for Inclusion on their successful event.”
In her address, Dr Mallika Nadda expressed her appreciation, saying, “I warmly welcome our distinguished guests and all supporters to Special Olympics Bharat’s Run for Inclusion. As we prepare to host the Asia Pacific Regional Games, with Bocce and Bowling as the main events, we are committed to making inclusivity a powerful and visible force. I encourage each of you to participate actively and support our athletes.”
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The RUN FOR INCLUSION is the first of several events in the lead-up to the Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition, which will bring together over 100 athletes from 12 nations to compete. This groundbreaking event will be the first of its kind in India, specifically for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and will feature bowling as an official competitive sport for special athletes in partnership with the Tenpin Federation of India. The competition will also focus on athletes over the age of 22, creating an inclusive sporting platform to showcase their skills.
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