IT News
Imphal Feb 22,
Two players from Manipur will be representing Team India in the upcoming Special Olympic Summer Games to be held at Abu Dhabi from March 14-March 21, 2019.
Nandeibam Herojit (16 years) son of Nandeibam Ibomcha from Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai will be participating in the field of athletics. And also Langoljam Chitra (17 years) daughter of late Langoljam Dilesh Singh from Kontha Khabam Heibong Makhong, Heingang will be participating in the field of Futsal.
In a press meet held at Manipur Press club, Imphal President of Special Olympic Bharat Manipur Chapter Professor Mayengbam Akshaykumar said the masses have a misconception regarding the Intellectually Disabled and are disregarded. He added that even though the persons lack somewhat intellectually, they still have numerous hidden talents and added that there is a need to find such talents. He clarified that the intellectually disabled persons are slow learners not a mental disabled.
Akshaykumar further said people from the state have been participating and also won medals in the Special Olympic Games. But sadly the state has been neglecting the participants and also failed to honour them. He also appealed the state government to take initiative for the welfare of the intellectually disabled people who faces lot problems in their lives after the death of the ones who cared for them.
Sports Director of Special Olympic Bharat Thangjam Sharatkumar said that the Intellectually Disabled Olympians have no recognition in the state. No financial support has been given to them until now. He added that one player who was selected to participate in the Special Olympic held at Shanghai in 2007 failed to participate because of financial problems. He further said that the Punjab government have already started to give initiatives and reservations in government jobs for the players. Connecting with the initiatives taken up by government of different states, Thangjam Sharatkumar urged the government led by CM N. Biren to help financially and also to recognise the neglected participants.