Jammu, A spirited contingent of athletes with intellectual disabilities from Special Olympics Bharat – Jammu & Kashmir UT (SOB-JKUT) was proudly flagged off today by DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, IPS. These exceptional athletes are en route to represent the UT at the National BOCCE Championship being held in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, hosted by the Special Olympics Bharat Chhattisgarh Chapter.
- BOCCE, a sport tailored for individuals with intellectual challenges, provides a platform for these talented players to showcase their potential. This national event aims to select athletes for future international competitions, further strengthening India’s presence in the global Special Olympics arena.
- While extending his best wishes, DIG Sharma encouraged the athletes to compete with passion and bring pride to Jammu & Kashmir and the nation. He highlighted the extraordinary efforts of Dr. Ashwani Jojra, Founding President and Area Director of SOB JKUT, for his relentless dedication since 2007 in promoting sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities in both J&K and Ladakh.
- “Such missions inspire dignity, strength, and inclusion in society. I salute Dr. Jojra’s commitment in giving wings to countless dreams,” said DIG Sharma, lauding the initiative’s long-term impact.
- In his keynote address, Dr. Jojra emphasized the need for collective societal support to transform this movement into a national wave. “Every individual with special needs deserves a chance to shine. Special Olympics is their path to dignity, recognition, and empowerment,” he stated, urging communities to ensure such efforts reach every remote village.
- The team includes Senior Coach Mr. Sunny Nanda, Coach Mr. Rashpal, and five athletes: Raghudeep Singh, Rakesh Kumar Choudhary, Krish Mehra, Anand Bhagat, and Sahil Kaith, guided by Program Manager Mr. Sahil Badyal.
- The event also saw the presence of prominent guests including SP HQ Irshad Rather, DSP DAR (DPL), and representatives from SAHYOG INDIA, along with volunteers, advisors, and supporters of SOB JKUT.
- As the team sets out for the championship, they carry with them the hopes and blessings of an entire region cheering for their success on the national stage.
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