june 2020 greetings from special olympics bharat virtual ... · june 2020 greetings from special...
TRANSCRIPT
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
June 2020
Greetings from Special Olympics Bharat
Virtual Unified Skipping Competition- Supported by SNF
A concept of a Youth
leader , Amitasha N
Mishra, activated
through a project
supported by the
Stavros Niarchos
Foundation (SNF), and
driven by Covid 19
resulted in a Virtual
Unified Skipping
Competition . While few of the Athletes missed the excitement of
a common venue and a connect with
new co-Athletes within the same
physical space, the event gave many
of them an opportunity to develop a
new skill. Although the final results were announced on 30 May 2020, the
journey to excel started much earlier.The excitement started with turning a
regular activity into a digital competitive sport.It build through displaying
countless videos of a large number of Athletes submitting their skipping skills
that showed subsequent improvement.
Vasu Tiwari, an Athlete from UP clearly showed progress , starting from not
knowing what to do with the rope to being able to skip with slow movements
over two weeks.Neha kept cheering on her brother Hemant, Athlete from UP
as she joined him in this event as his Unified Partner
Dr Amitav Mishra , General Secretary SO Bharat and the Chairperson of
the SO Bharat- UP Chapter: “As our planned events of March and April could not happen due to lockdown;
the youth leaders through a series of meetings and workshop came out with the concept of virtual Unified
Sports. We provided complete support to the unified leadership to carry out the experiment. It was too good
to experiment the concept on 52 players in the presence of a large number of virtual viewers. The event
not only engaged a large number of athletes in physical exercises, but also it connected with their peers
without disabilities creating a large space in building an inclusive society” Read More News
_____________________
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
Hemant Singh & Neha Singh , the brother sister duo from UP
“We have done sporting activities at leisure but
the Unified skipping competition was fun as it
made us compete with rival teams, together. That
brought in a whole new excitement. But, I have
always celebrated the victories of Hemant, each
and every one of them, no matter how big or small
it is”- Neha Singh, Heamnt’s Sister
“Siblings take the responsibility perfectly.
Especially these days with the Covid 19 crisis
while the parents are occupied with organizing so
much else, the siblings take over completely to
keep their special siblings active, occupied &
happy”, says Ms Sharmistha Basu, Principal,
Asha AWWA School , Lucknow
At the SNF – supported Unified Skipping Competition virtual event held on 30 May 2020, many Unified
pairs competed in a new sport, selected more for its conjunction with social distancing resonating the new
normal. Hemant Singh, 20 years, and his sister Neha Singh 23 years from Lucknow, UP practiced and
participated together, winning a Silver in Group 5 at the event.
At home, he was gaining weight. The idea of skipping was well received by the parents as it required no
extra arrangements. “In these times we have to , as much as possible, get close to the interests of the
parents as we are not there to motivate the Athletes. Here it is only the family that can encourage the
Athlete to do a particular activity.” Skipping fitted very well. Read More
_____________________
Different hues of the World Environment Day 2020
Hemant (R) with his sister, Neha (L)
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
To stoke Social Consciousness along with creating opportunities of engagement between Unified Pairs a
blog writing exercise took off with the one on the World Environment Day being the first. Observing the day
emerged in different hues involving Special Athletes, Coaches and Youth leaders. While the Unified Pair
Aparimita and Gayatri from Mumbai, browsed the net, discussed and produced content overseen and
embellished by the National YAC; initiated by an SO Bharat Chandigarh Coach, a small group of children,
parents and educators dedicated time for ‘Nature’ while conforming to the Covid 19 norms. SO Bharat
Athletes from Pune, Maharashtra belonging to a Residential Special School, Mr Chaitanya Mehtere, Mr
Pakash Kulakarni and Mr Sarang Kendra, planted saplings
_______________________________
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
Athlete and Celebrity Interaction
On 26 May 2020, a virtual interaction was facilitated by Mr Satish Pillai, Chairman of SO Bharat witnessing
a thought-provoking exchange between renowned sportspersons of India and the Special Olympics Athlete
leaders. Focused on the Athletes from the Special arena and the mainstream world the highlight of the
evening was the interesting questions thrown by the Athlete leaders to each of the celeb sportspersons
In conjunction with the Special Olympics initiative to facilitate a ‘surprise and delight’ for the Athletes, an
opportunity combining the celebrities and influencers with the Special Athletes through one-on-one chats,
video chats or phone calls.
Five SO Bharat Athletes engaged with four renowned mainstream Athletes from India, namely, Anju Bobby
George (Padma & Arjun awardee), Robert Bobby George (Dhronacharya Awardee), Anand Menezes
(Olympian Sydney 2000) and Pramila Gudanda Aiyappa (Asian Games medalist), who recalled their
experiences and responded to questions directed by the Special Athletes. The evening concluded with
inspirational messages from the Celeb Sportspersons. “ We are all going through a difficult situation now.
But continue to keep yourself safe & fit in any way that you can, at home. Don’t worry about the situation”-
Anju Bobby George. “Human Race is amazing; We will bounce back!” – Robert Bobby George
_______________________________
Strengthening & widening the Network – SO Bharat Punjab
Samarpratap Singh is a Young Athlete from Punjab, a little over 6 yrs. Within the Autism Spectrum and
being conspicuously restive had caused a number of persons anxiety, to explore a customized way of
calming him down. Team sports did not attract him, the idea of Roller Skating was not received whole-
heartedly by his parents last year. The lockdown period compounded the situation. Ms Rekha Kashyap &
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
Ms Navjot , the dynamic duo of SO Bharat
(Punjab), continued to extend counselling
along with different options to steer his high
energy levels. Beginning in the end of March
2020, it was either sending videos, or pictorial
depictions , audio guidance etc. A revelation
for the team itself, Rollerskating along with
music showed the way. Samarpratap enjoys it,
in fact showing a certain amount of natural
bent towards it, keeps practising and gets tired
as well. He even sits and listens to music and
with concentration.
“ We have a Roller Skating Champion coming up, I feel strongly” This
became an example of what Rekha Kashyap had to address the viewers
with , in a recently held Webinar of the state. Her session covered activities
and innovations with existing options that can be offered to the Young
Athletes at home. The session was specifically relevant to the family
members who are grappling with the challenging times and are anxiously digging out ways of keeping their
children wth Intellectual Disabilities effectively occupied.
The State Chapter of Punjab held two series of Webinars, the first from 8 - 17 May 2020 and the second
from 3 to 6 June 2020 covering diverse topics addressed by experts from the relevant fields, to an audience
of 60-65 viewers per day on an average. Questions were taken up and responses rolled out-
Swimming, Skating etc may be good options over team sports for persons in the Autism Spectrum!- and
more
_______________________________
Unified Sports Competition
A list of nine sports disciplines as well as activities like yoga, dance, drawing, fundamental exercises etc
combined over 300 Athletes and partners from 22 States in a Unified Sports Activity in the last week of
May. The final result was announced on 30 May 2020. A team of five members from the within and outside
of SO Bharat meticulously evaluated the video submissions on the basis of Utilization of space, Creativity,
Co-ordination and Performance.
The activity encouraged the Athletes to pursue any sporting activity with their family members as Unified
partners. Dynamic exercises, Aerobics and Yoga predominated the choice of the participants. While the
male participation exceeded that of the female, Punjab took the lead in motivating and registering 49 entries.
Nirvi from Maharashtra took the first place, followed by a tie between Aryan from Chandigarh and Yashika
Bhatt from Delhi. Sonakshi from Maharashtra & Sidharth Kalsi from Delhi secured the third position in a tie.
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
Having worked hands-on in the activity, Ms Sulekha Rana, Director Sports, SO Bharat, said, “We did not
expect to see such a phenomenal response. The idea was to maintain the fitness of the Athletes, to keep
them sports-ready and have their family members involved. But it generated so much excitement that was
evident with the videos streaming in till the last minute of the closing time”
_______________________________
The first Webinar Series – by SO Bharat in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India
To address challenges and opportunities for the Special Athletes during the Covid 19 lockdown period Special Olympics Bharat conducted a series of Webinars from 1-6 May 2020 in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India. All six days addressed a different topic presented by experts from specific fields with an average attendance of around 300 viewers from 11 countries including India. The Webinars were successful in spreading awareness and enhancing sensitization across a diverse population. While the experts drew attention to ‘Intellectual Disabilities’, Health Challenges, Unified Sports, Inclusion and resources available for the Special Athletes, few Athlete leaders from different states of India expressed their thoughts on the ongoing crisis, exhibiting confidence that substantiates their successful journey through sports Read More
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
Ms Radhica Sreeman, Executive Director (TEAMS), Sports Authority of India: “Special Olympics Bharat is doing Yeoman service for the differently – abled children. The painstaking effort taken by them will go a long way in developing the skills of the special children and make them an acceptable part of the society.” Yoga sessions for Special Olympics Athletes was held on 12th & 14th May 2020. The sessions were led by Ms. Namrata Menon, founder of the World of Yoga – Goa. Stressing on the importance of regular Yoga practice for Special athletes, Ms Namrata Menon, Founder of World of Yoga- Goa says “Physical fitness is directly proportional to the extent of harmony between body and mind. Competitive Sports come with a lot of strains and stresses. I believe Yoga can immensely support the Athletes to be mentally equipped to perform to the best of their abilities.”
_______________________________
Amplifying Inclusion during Covid 19- State of Bihar
All of the 534 blocks spread across 38 districts in Bihar have an isolation centre (to cater to the suspected & the infected people) and a quarantine centre (for travellers) each. A helpline was set up a few weeks back specifically for Persons with Disabilities. 15000 grievances were received and action over them is in the offing. Following the complaints, Dr Shivajee Kumar, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
directed the District Administrations to ensure that special arrangements are in place for Persons with Disabilities. Dr Shivajee Kumar has been the Area Director of SO Bharat – Bihar since 2001 and has been holding the office of the State Disability Commissioner since April 2018. The helpline facilitates a recorded message from the aggrieved that reaches a central number which tracks the location to extend necessary support. The State along with supporting groups and organizations have provided Hearing aid, wheelchair, pension etc as required. The State Govt has announced relief measures for PwDs as well. These measures to an extent, have offset the distressing challenges thrown by the continuing global crisis. Read More
_______________________________
www.specialolympicsbharat.org
‘How To’ Webinars – an initiative of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP)
65 participants from India put their creativity
together in an exciting virtual session of
bookmark- making with co- participants from the
Asia Pacific Region on Sunday, 17 May 2020.
This was the first of a series of “How to” Webinars
organised by the Regional Youth Input Council, in
collaboration with the Regional Athlete Input
Council. Through a series of hands-on activities,
these skills-based webinars aim to build a
community of youth leaders and strengthening the
mental wellbeing during this COVID-19
pandemic. The bookmark-making session was led
by Jasmine Sharif, Global and Regional Athlete Input Council member from SO Pakistan.
Coming up is a session on Origami Crane, led by Ms Hanako Sawayama.
Running parallel to the ‘How to ‘Webinars are the
SOAP Regional Webinars covering topics across
Sports, Health, Youth leadership and more. Dacki
Sandiego, from Philippines, Grace Payne from
New Zealand, Simran Sahni from India and
Satyananda Kusuma from Indonesia showed their
wonderful presentations at the third Webinar that
was held on 28 May 2020 on Athlete and Youth
leadership. Shrey Kadian, Athlete leader of SO
Bharat is a member of the SOAP Athlete Input
Council while Simran Sahni , SO Bharat Youth
leader is the Co- Chair of the SOAP Youth Input
Council.
_______________________________
www.specialolympicsbharat.org | Facebook Twitter, Instagram,
SO Bharat Young Athletes Facebook page and You tube