NewZNew (Chandigarh) : National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training & Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh and National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI), Delhi are jointly organizing the 4th National Abilympics from November 3-5, 2014 at Chandigarh. This was announced at a press conference held here today.
Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India, will inaugurate the 4th National Abilympics at 10.30 am on 3rd November, 2014 (Monday) at NITTTR, Sector-26, Chandigarh. Ms. Stuti Kacker, IAS, Secretary along with Joint Secretary to Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India; Dr. K.K. Talwar, Chairman, BOG, NITTTR, Chandigarh; Air Marshal S.G. Inamdar, President, National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI) and Prof. Phalguni Gupta, Director, NITTTR, Kolkata will be among the prominent personalities to grace the occasion during the inauguration ceremony.
Dr M P Poonia, Director, NITTTR Chandigarh said, “About 450 contestants including Medal winners of all the Regional Abilympics held during 2013-14 along with some lateral entries from the five regions of India viz Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern and Central will be participating in this prestigious event at NITTTR, Chandigarh. A total of 33 Vocational Skills and Leisure and Living Skills Contests (including photography, computer programming, creating web pages, data processing, embroidery, dress making, tailoring, knitting, pottery, painting etc.) will be held in this National Event.”
Dr J S Saini, Dean-ESC, NITTTR, said, “The word ‘Abilympics’ is a combination of the words Abilities and Olympics. The Abilympics which are vocational, leisure and living skill competitions for persons with disabilities provide a platform to them to showcase and enhance their talent. International Abilympics are held once in every four years under the aegis of International Abilympic Federation and Rehabilitation International.”
The first International Abilympics were held in Japan in 1981 to commemorate the United Nations International Year of the Disabled. Subsequently, these were held in Columbia, Hong Kong, Australia, Czech Republic, India, Japan and South Korea respectively. The history of Abilympics in India stretches as far back as the origin of Abilympics itself. It is a story rich with pride, determination, success, and incredible growth.
Dr Uma Tuli, Founder and Managing Secretary, Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, Delhi and Secretary General, NAAI, had led a six-member Indian team to the First International Abilympics in Japan in 1981, and it was here that her dream to organize such an event in India came into being. In the 5th International Abilympics in Prague, Czech Republic in 2000, a 14-member team from India won three gold medals, three bronze medals and a Certificate of Excellence. Dr Uma Tuli said, “India’s bid to host the 6th International Abilympics was also accepted. In order to plan and organize this international event and spread Abilympics movement in the country the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI) was formed in May 2001, at the behest of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Human Resource Development, Govt. of India.”
