Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri. JagdeepDhankar declares openFirst Ever Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce &Bowling Competition
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce & Bowling Competition officially began with a grand Opening Ceremony here at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex. The event was officially declared open by Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest along with Dr. Mansukh L. Mandavya, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment, Government of India who was the Guest of Honour. The matches are scheduled to commence tomorrow with Bocce being held at Thyagaraj Sports Complex and Bowling hosted at ZorekoRCUBE Monad in Rajouri Garden.
The 12 participating countries entered the arena with a traditional march past where all teams were welcomed with sheer joyby the audience. It was followed by the hoisting of the Official Flag of Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition. Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India,who declared the event open and expressed his admiration for the athletes and everyone supporting the event said, “This momentous occasion redefines what is achievable by us as a country. Our special athletes are living examples of human potential, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, nothing is beyond reach.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India,who declared the event open and expressed his admiration for the athletes and everyone supporting the event said, “This momentous occasion redefines what is achievable by us as a country. Our special athletes are living examples of human potential, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, nothing is beyond reach. support Special Olympics Bharat and ensuring that our nation provides an inclusive sports environment for athletes of all abilities.
Dr. MallikaNadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat said, “We welcome everyone to the incredible land of India where every moment is an experience of our warmth and hospitality. It is our honour to proudly host the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition.
Special Guests included Shri Naveen Jindal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; and Shri AsimArun, Hon’ble Minister of State I/C for Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with Dr. D.G. Chaudhary, General Secretary of Special Olympics Bharat; Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of SO Bharat and Chairperson of the SOAP Advisory Council, Mr. Dipak Natali,Regional President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Asia Pacific and Ms. Shivani, Athlete Ambassador for Special Olympics Bharat. Each dignitary’s presence highlighted the importance of advancing the mission of Special Olympics and supporting athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
This historic competition, the first of its kind in India, shines a spotlight on athletes aged 22 and above with IDD, fostering empowerment through sports. With the successful launch of this event, New Delhi proudly stands at the forefront of a movement to promote inclusion and inspire change through the transformative power of sports.
